J.R. Smith’s arrest uncovers an unexpected LeBron James-Luka Doncic connection after a police officer reveals Lakers frustration

Royse City police officers told J.R. Smith they are still mad at LeBron James over the Luka Doncic trade, and they said it just moments before arresting him. Police video obtained by the California Post shows the exchange from a traffic stop in Texas. Officers pulled over the former NBA player because they believed an active warrant existed. While they looked into the warrant, the conversation turned to Smith’s playing days, past teams and two championship rings. One officer, who appeared to be a Dallas Mavericks fan, had a complaint about James.What did the officer say about LeBron James during J.R. Smith’s arrest?Video of J.R. Smith’s Sept. 28 traffic stop in Texas shows officers venting about LeBron James and the Luka Doncic trade right up until a warrant check came back active. Smith was arrested on an assault charge tied to an alleged Sept. 18 incident in Tarrant County, then released. Attorney Justin A. Moore says Smith is presumed innocent. A hearing in the case is still ahead.The stop stayed friendly until the officers asked J.R. Smith about championships. Smith said two, won with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. When an officer asked about a ring with Kyrie Irving, Smith answered, “Kyrie and LeBron.”The same officer avoided saying James’s name out loud. Smith asked if the officer was not a fan, and the reply went straight to the February 2025 trade that sent Doncic from Dallas to Los Angeles. “He stole Luka from us,” the officer said. He went on to say Dallas should have let Rick Carlisle coach his own way and work on Doncic’s conditioning. A second officer said nobody on the scene was happy about the deal, and the first officer said again he was still mad.Why did police have a warrant out for Smith?A license plate reader flagged the vehicle of the 41-year-old former guard for an active warrant. The Southlake Police Department wanted Smith on a charge of assault causing bodily injury, family violence, over an alleged Sept. 18 incident in Tarrant County. Once officers confirmed the warrant, the basketball talk ended and Smith was handcuffed.The two-time champion was released a short time later. Attorney Justin A. Moore said Smith is eager to see the matter resolved and has confidence in the legal process, adding that Smith is “presumed innocent.” The case is open, and a court hearing is still ahead.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.