J.R. Smith -- NBA Star Arrested in South Beach

New York Knicks star J.R. Smith was arrested in South Beach last night ... after cops discovered the 26-year-old was a wanted man.

According to reports, Smith was pulled over on a routine traffic stop ... when the officers noticed an active warrant out for Smith's arrest stemming from his failure to address a ticket for driving without a valid license.

Smith was booked into Miami-Dade County jail shortly before midnight. He was released a short time later on bond.