In 2006, J.R. Smith broke someone’s jaw during a pick-up basketball game in Houston. Charges were filed and Smith hired Houston lawyer Rusty Hardin, known for representing Roger Clemens’ in his case involving Brian McNamee. After Smith’s case, Hardin claimed he never received $22,753.51 in legal fees. Well, Smith decided to pay him just before things got ugly.

From NBA.com:

Dale Jefferson, Hardin’s attorney, had threatened to serve Smith with legal papers before Wednesday’s game at the Toyota Center. Smith paid a chunk of the fees less than two hours before tipoff, prompting Hardin to call off the process server. Smith has 30 days to pay the rest.

“Mr. Smith has owned up to his obligations, and agreed to pay them in full,” Jefferson said, before he and Hardin settled into front-row seats. “When he does that, we will dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice. It has not been accomplished yet, but he did make a good-faith wire transfer prior to the start of the game.”

The 24-year-old Smith called the dispute “a miscommunication.” He said before the game that he wasn’t aware that the bills had not been paid and had to “talk to my financial people about that.”

Jefferson set a 6 p.m. deadline for Smith to start paying the fees, and Smith’s wire transfer on Wednesday was received with eight minutes to spare.

“It was like a 3-pointer at the buzzer,” Jefferson said.

I know professional athletes in general aren’t the smartest of people, but NBA players seem to find themselves in the stupidest situations. I have a feeling Smith just forgot that he owed Hardin the cash. If not, then he would have done this earlier in his career when his team was visiting Houston. Nevertheless, given Hardin’s profession, I’m surprised it took him this long to act. It’s not like Smith doesn’t have the money.

Photo from fOTOGLIF