As expected, the shenanigans-to-work ratio in the Orlando bubble has been heavily skewed toward shenanigans (perhaps that will change as seeding games come into clearer view) with players engaging in expert-level tomfoolery ranging from beer-chugging to holding rooftop raves in broad daylight.
When shenanigans are afoot, you’d typically expect newly-minted Los Angeles Laker J.R. Smith, a soup-chucking goof whose memorable NBA Finals blunder warrants its own exhibit in the “What Was He Thinking Hall of Fame,” to be right in the thick of things. But Smith who, last we saw, was adhering to a strict fitness regimen in preparation for what should be a deep Lakers playoff run, has managed to keep an unusually low profile throughout his Orlando tenure.
Turns out, the 34-year-old sharp-shooter has been too busy to let his hair down. While Chris Paul and others have been enjoying the outdoors, Smith’s days have been consumed by a very real crisis—he’s almost out of clean underwear.
“More underwear and socks,” said Smith without hesitation when Spectrum Sports’ Allie Clifton asked him if he had any packing regrets. “I packed like seven because I figured I’d be good for once a day. But then I didn’t calculate all the showers in between everything that we’re doing. So I’ve been running through it within like 2-3 days.” Luckily Smith hasn’t had to go commando a la Cosmo Kramer, thanks to the Disney Resort’s exceptional laundry service.
As someone who has resorted to running errands in a bathing suit after running out of clean boxers (which earned me a few puzzled looks at the local Duane Reade), I can relate to Smith’s predicament. In retrospect, Smith, who boasts a tattoo of the Jordan brand’s iconic Jumpman logo, probably wishes he had been like Mike in packing a few extra drawers. Who knows, maybe Smith can parlay his mishap into an endorsement deal with Hanes.
Between the eccentric Smith, Dwight Howard (who drew the NBA’s ire for eschewing the league’s mask requirements) and edible enthusiast Dion Waiters, the Lakers’ boisterous locker room certainly doesn’t lack for strong personalities. As for the team’s current underwear supply? Well that may need to be addressed.
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