The latest NBA trade rumors have hinted that free agent shooting guard JR Smith may end up playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming season as his talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers have gone nowhere with only a few weeks left before the regular season commences.

Smith was one of the key players who brought the Cavs its first-ever NBA title last June. He played superb defense on the Golden State Warriors' backcourt pair of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, plus added some timely outside shooting during crunch time.

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He earned $5 million last season before deciding to opt out of the final year of his contract worth $5.3 million in 2016-2017.

Smith is reportedly demanding a salary increase of $15 million a year from the Cavs, but Cleveland is only willing to give him $10 million to $11 million a year, which has put the contract negotiation on hold.

With Smith still available as a free agent, rumors have emerged that the Los Angeles Lakers has joined the Boston Celtics as one of the teams interested in snatching him away from the Cavs.

Sportsrageous indicated that the Lakers is even ready to give up super-sophomore Jordan Clarkson to the Cavs in exchange for the mercurial shooting guard.

Clarkson is probably the best trade piece for the Lakers at the moment as he is currently leading the Hollywood squad in scoring, with 13.5 points per game in two preseason games, so far. He also led the team in scoring last season after he posted a career-high 15.5 points a night, starting in all of his 79 games with the team.

Reports said new Lakers head coach Luke Walton decided to demote him as a bench player in the upcoming season for veteran shooting guard Lou Williams.

While Clarkson's initial reaction was reportedly affirming, Chat Sports Net reported that the 2015 NBA All-Rookie First Teamer may soon demand a trade to find more playing time.

Should the Cavs successfully acquire Clarkson, his partnership with Kyrie Irving in Cleveland's backcourt would be one of the most fearsome combinations in the NBA right now. The speed and dexterity of both players in handling the ball could be intimidating for opposing teams.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2016, JR Smith, cleveland cavaliers, Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers