J.R. Smith's Shocking Confession: "I Was Smoking Cigarettes in the Locker Room" Because of Depression

Man, you think you know a player, right? You watch 'em ball out, win rings, make headlines, and you think you've got the full picture. But sometimes, a story drops that just hits different, and it reminds you these guys are human, just like us. J.R. Smith, a dude who spent 16 years grinding in the NBA, just opened up on The Pivot podcast, and what he revealed about his playing days, especially his time overseas, is jaw-dropping. He straight-up said depression was a massive factor in his life, even contributing to his dependence on smoking. This isn't just about basketball, folks. This is about real struggles.

The Hard Truth From China

Smith's NBA journey was a wild ride, a mix of incredible talent and tough personal battles. We all remember his championship run with the Cavaliers, and yeah, that Game 1 mistake in the 2018 Finals too. But before his second ring with the Lakers in the 2020 bubble, Smith spent a season with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association. And that's where things got intensely real. He confessed, "I can stop drinking. I’m not a drinker. I’ve never really been. I’m really trying to understand the smoking because it’s definitely an addiction. I smoke milds. I smoke weed. Shit, when I was playing in China and couldn’t get weed, I was smoking cigarettes in the locker room. I’m a smoker." Can you imagine? Feeling that low, that addicted, while playing pro ball halfway across the world? He said, "I'm addicted to smoking because of a lot of the depression and pain that I feel, and I don'

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t know how to get out and express it." That's a raw, honest look at what some athletes are going through behind the scenes.

A Champion's Silent Battle

Despite these deep-seated struggles, Smith found ways to redefine his career. After joining the Cavaliers in 2015, he transformed into a tough defender playing alongside LeBron James, a crucial piece of Cleveland's historic 2016 NBA championship team. He even snagged a second ring with the Lakers later on. But the mental health battle was constant. Smith admitted that depression affected him for a huge chunk of his professional journey. He said, "I went through things with my mental health consistently long enough to where I feel like I probably played 70% of my career depressed." He talked about getting hurt, not being able to play, getting hooked on pills, and just going through "all of that." It's a powerful reminder that fame and success don't shield anyone from emotional pain.

What's Next for the Emerald City

It's tough hearing stories like J.R. Smith's, a stark reminder that even the biggest stars fight silent battles. But you know what else we fight for here in the Emerald City? Our teams! And speaking of fighting, how about our Mariners last night?! The M's snagged a 3-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, showing some real grit early in the season. These early wins are so crucial for setting the tone, building that confidence. We're keeping an eye on our guys, watching how the form shapes up and who's stepping up. Every game matters right now as we track these early trends and hope for a strong, healthy season from Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and the whole squad. Go M's!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.