Fans won’t soon forget J.R. Smith’s blunder in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals. With Golden State and Cleveland tied, Smith grabbed an offensive rebound with only seconds remaining in regulation. Instead of putting up a shot, he dribbled the ball out to halfcourt. He thought the Cavs were on top.
JR Smith thought the Cavs were in the lead!! pic.twitter.com/5NkzVB5G80
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 1, 2018
LeBron James was furious. A photo of him scolding J.R. on the court after Smith’s blunder turned into a viral meme.
LeBron's look says it all pic.twitter.com/oZjDyq3kZ9
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) June 1, 2018
And shortly after the game, video surfaced of LeBron looking absolutely distraught on the bench between regulation and overtime.
Poor J.R. It was a human error, but it will probably follow him for the rest of his life.
Now, fans can actually purchase J.R.’s game-worn jersey from Game 1. It’s up for bids on the NBA Auction site. There are three days left in the bidding process, and the current bid is $3,000.
Maybe J.R. will buy it just to save face. But the likelier scenario: a Warriors fan — or business that supports the Dubs — will buy the jersey and hang it up. Quite a collector’s item.
Cavs’ Future
J.R. is under contract for one more guaranteed year and a partially guaranteed 2019-20 season. Though he remains a decent starting two guard, it’s difficult to imagine Cleveland will be able to find a suitor willing to take on J.R.’s $14.7 million salary.
Cleveland, however, may hit the reset button if LeBron elects to sign elsewhere. Rumors have linked a litany of NBA teams — Philly, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and more — to James.
BetDSI Sportsbook is staying up to date with odds for LeBron’s big free-agency decision. Check out BetDSI’s latest lines below.
Los Angeles Lakers -110
Philadelphia 76ers +450
Cleveland Cavaliers +450
Houston Rockets +700
Boston Celtics +1000
San Antonio Spurs +1000
Los Angeles Clippers +2500
Miami Heat +3300
