JR Smith on playing alongside LeBron; James sledges Sixers president

TWO days after his inexplicable brain explosion cost Cleveland Game 1 of the NBA Finals, JR Smith has revealed with brutal honesty how tough it can be playing alongside LeBron James.

With the scores level Smith had the opportunity to drive to the rim for a game-winning lay-up against Golden State on Friday (AEST) after picking up an offensive rebound when George Hill’s second free-throw bounced off the rim.

But Smith, who thought the Cavs were ahead, took possession and dribbled in the opposite direction. His teammates — including James — screamed at him to turn around but it was too little, too late as the final buzzer sounded.

James put his hands on his head as he begged for an explanation from Smith about his mind-boggling stuff up, but words couldn’t do anything as the Warriors steamrolled Cleveland in overtime to take a 1-0 series lead.

Smith was roundly mocked for his unforgivable blunder.

Read: Smith’s ‘disgraceful’ blunder stuns the NBA

The conversation about whether James has overtaken Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time won’t die down, particularly after he dropped 51 points in the Finals opener. But Smith revealed for all the benefits of sharing the court with a man who personifies greatness, there are pitfalls too.

“It’s a lot of pressure. Not for myself or my teammates, but just playing on his team,” Smith said, per ASAP Sports. “It’s almost — it’s a blessing — and it’s a gift and a curse.

“You play on his team, and you’re playing with the best player in the world and you get to witness some great historic things and be a part of it. Then, on the other side, if you don’t help that person win, they’re looking at you too. So it’s a lot of pressure, depending on how you look at it.”

Even after his Game 1 howler, Smith was able to retain his sense of humour.

“I tell him all the time, he has the opportunity to play with me as well,” Smith joked.

LEBRON TROLLS SIXERS PRESIDENT

LeBron James spotted an opening and he went for it — taking down Philadelphia 76ers president Bryan Colangelo with a sly sledge.

Colangelo is being investigated over allegations he used anonymous Twitter accounts to trash his own players and other executives and defend himself against criticism.

Colangelo has also been accused of using five “burner” accounts to leak sensitive team information and smear rival NBA officials.

Ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, James was asked about tweets sent out by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert on Friday. Gilbert praised James for his “magical” impact as he gushed over his franchise making the Finals for the fourth year running.

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