CLEVELAND (AP) – LeBron James didn’t hold back in weighing in on J.R. Smith’s contract impasse with the Cavaliers.
James feels the Cavs owe the shooting guard, who helped them win an NBA title last season.
“Negotiations are always two-sides, but J.R. did his part,” James said Friday following practice. “He showed up every day. … Became a two-way player, a model citizen in Cleveland and he’s a fan favorite, obviously we all know that. All of the sudden now he’s a season ticket holder at the Indians games.
“We just miss him. We miss having him around. He’s a big piece of our team and they just need to get it done,” he said.
Smith remains unsigned as his agents and the Cavs have been unable to finalize a contract. When the team opened training camp earlier this week, general manager David Griffin said the Cavs have made Smith an “incredibly competitive and aggressive offer.”