NBA: Lakers’ Smith, Waiters prove doubters wrong, combine for 38 points

What many saw as laughable moves by the Los Angeles Lakers were proved wrong by the players involved themselves: JR Smith and Dion Waiters.

Free agent signings by the Lakers in their build-up for the NBA season restart in the Orlando bubble, both veteran guards made impact for the team in their latest scrimmage win over the Washington Wizards.

With stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as well as Dwight Howard and Kyle Kuzma all resting, Smith and Waiters plus the Lakers youngsters took the spotlight in a 123-116 win.

Smith was phenomenal from 3-pt range, shooting a video-game mode 6-7 to finish with 20 points. His show included a tough 3:

JR

SWISH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JzsNg6pWXr

— ESPN (@espn) July 27, 2020

Waiters added 18 points and 6 assists in the win.

With Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo both out, the signings of the two shooting guards will key for the Lakers if they can be consistent contributors on the floor.

Smith has already won a title with James for the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2016 as a starter, while Waiters been showing more maturity in the past few years.