Cops complained to J.R. Smith about LeBron James just seconds before they arrested the former New York Knicks star earlier this year, according to new police video obtained by the California Post.
Smith was stopped by Royse City Police Department officers on a Texas roadway on Sept. 28 after they suspected he had a warrant out for his arrest.
The cops asked him to exit his vehicle while they investigated the situation, and as they were trying to get the matter squared away, they struck up a conversation about basketball.
Smith told them he was a former NBA player who retired in 2020. He also explained how he broke into the league and what teams he played for.
Then one of the officers asked him if he had a championship on his résumé.
“Two,” Smith said.
Smith went on to explain he got the rings during his time on the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
“So, you got a ring with Kyrie [Irving],” one of the cops asked.
“Kyrie and LeBron,” Smith responded.
The cop, who appeared to be a Dallas Mavericks fan, then made it clear he was not James’ biggest supporter, as he called the former Lakers superstar, “He who shall not be named.”
“Not a fan?” Smith asked.
“He stole Luka [Doncic] from us,” the officer said, referencing the historic Lakers-Mavericks trade that sent Doncic to LA in February 2025. “He stole Luka from us. That was all him.”
“Nobody was happy about that,” one of the other cops on the scene added.
“I’m still mad,” the other officer said. “Still mad.”
Just moments later, Smith was placed in handcuffs after it was confirmed he had an active warrant.
No further NBA conversations took place.
It was eventually revealed that Smith was wanted by the Southlake Police Department for assault causing bodily injury — family violence after he allegedly got physical with a woman during a Sept. 18 incident in Tarrant County.
Smith was accused of “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” causing “bodily injury” to a female who was a member of Smith’s family or household or with whom he had a dating relationship, court documents stated.
Smith was taken into custody over the allegations and released a short time later. His attorney, Justin A. Moore, said in a statement after the run-in with cops that his client was “eager to see this matter resolved and has full confidence in the legal process.”
“He is presumed innocent, and we will address this matter in Court,” Moore continued. “We ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved throughout the process.”
Smith is due in court for his next hearing in the case next month.
