NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers lose JR Smith; LeBron James, Kyrie Irving Boot PF

By Mitch de Leon
JS Smith
Washington Wizards v/s Denver Nuggets January 25, 2011 Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons

The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for a possible rematch against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. With LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love playing better together as leaders of the basketball team, the chances of losing their Eastern Conference crown to the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks or Boston Celtics. However, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers have another hurdle to get over this season. JR Smith, who is one of the core members of the team, might be thrown out of the league due to legal battles.

Smith is currently involved in a choking incident. The Cleveland Cavaliers star, who played for the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets before coming in to pitch in the championship efforts of the LeBron James squad, is charged for the physical injuries and emotional distress incurred by Justin Brown. The alleged victim is suing for physical injuries and emotional distress following his encounter with Smith in November.

Court documents disclosed that Brown, who was 19 years old at the time of the incident, was choked and hit in the head by Smith when the former requested for a photo with the Cleveland Cavaliers star. The alleged attack happened at around 4:00 am in Manhattan. While the statements of both parties clearly deny the allegations of each other, sources claim that a video footage of the incident can be requested. In his lawsuit, Brown is demanding for $2.5 million from Smith.

"No, I ain't got no comment on that," responded Smith when asked for his opinion on the issue. He added, "It is what it is. So, we'll just see what happens."

Meanwhile, Alex Spiro described the lawsuit as "frivolous." Smith's lawyer further noted that Brown was reportedly only after a quick "cash grab." Moreover, Spiro assured that he and his client will fight the lawsuit aggressively.

Spiro said, "If they have the audacity to file a frivolous claim against J.R., we will counterclaim for defamation and defend the suit aggressively. This was a cash grab from the start."

With the issues plaguing the Cleveland Cavaliers and the slow meshing of its core players, some fans believe that the lawsuit against Smith might bring in discord in the King James squad. Hence, these supporters feel that it would be a good idea to simply trade Smith. However, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers are standing by the troubled power forward.

Smith shared, "I mean, the organization has been great since I got here. Whether it was that or anything else, they've been unbelievable, so I'm grateful for that."

Meanwhile, Smith earlier commented on James' "dream team." In an earlier Gospel Herald report, King James shared his ideal team composed of Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers.

"That would be dope. That'd be sick," responded Smith. He added, "I'd like to see it. I just hope they save me a spot and I'm on the team."

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