J.R. Smith is playing some of the best ball of his career down the playoff stretch. It couldn't have come at a better time, either. Smith will be a free agent after the season and he's trying to get paid. In addition, he's currently facing a $48,000 lawsuit for losing a necklace featuring the face of the black Messiah according to TMZ.
A jewelry company called Lemmerman's sued Smith, claiming he ordered a bunch of bling back in 2010 — including a diamond chain, two Black Jesus pendants and some earrings — totaling $25,500 … but never paid.
We're told one Jesus pendant and chain cost roughly $15,000 alone.
Lemmerman's sued for $48,101 — which includes the jewelry bill plus interest and attorney's fees — but Smith never responded to the suit … so a judge ruled in Lemmerman's favor.
Smith has now been ordered to pay the $48,000 asap … or else.