J.R. Smith signs with agent

ESPN reports that North Carolina signee J.R. Smith has signed with an agent, as expected, making his decision to enter the NBA permanent and ending any chance of attending North Carolina.

"I think I'm ready. I've ready elevated my game to a higher level," Smith told ESPN.com after working out for the Lakers, Nuggets, Jazz and Clippers on Thursday. "The (high school) All-Star games convinced me that I have what it takes to play in the NBA. I got great feedback from the NBA (draft) committee. I was told I could go anywhere (from) No. 1 to No. 16."

LINK: Smith ends speculation by hiring agent