Lakers Buyout Target Spencer Dinwiddie Decides Future After Clearing Waiver

The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to be active on the trade deadline. However, the deadline came and went on Thursday, and the Lakers didn’t pull off even a single major trade. The Lakers were reported to be interested in Hawks’ guard Dejounte Murray. But the Atlanta Hawks rejected the Lakers’ offer, as they didn’t want D’Angelo Russell in the deal.

After the trade deadline, reports emerged that the Lakers would be active in the NBA’s buyout market, and those reports have proven to be accurate. According to the Athletics’ Shams Charania, “Spencer Dinwiddie plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after he clears waivers.” The Lakers faced competition from the Dallas Mavericks. However, the L.A. native point guard chose to join the Lakers instead.

The Toronto Raptors acquired Dinwiddie from the Brooklyn Nets, but opted to waive him due to his $1.5 million bonus tied to games played. The Lakers will complete the acquisition once Dinwiddie clears his waivers, and as per reports by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, that process will be completed by 2:00 PM, Pacific Time. Spencer Dinwiddie was spotted on the sidelines alongside Rob Pelinka during the Lakers’ 139-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans yesterday.

Dinwiddie has averaged 12.6 points, 6 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 31 minutes of playing time for the Nets this season. While Dinwiddie’s arrival may provide a boost to the Lakers’ playoff aspirations, it represents a short-term solution rather than a well thought out strategy. But how will his addition impact the Lakers?

Lakers’ players excited to have Dinwiddie on the roster

Following their victory over the Pelicans, LeBron expressed his feelings regarding the imminent addition of Dinwiddie to the roster. He said, “Playmaking, another ball handler, another shot-maker. Another guy, another veteran. Anytime you can add a veteran with that ability, it helps. So we’ll see what happens.” Anthony Davis also echoed the same sentiments. He said, “Obviously, we’ve seen what he did with Brooklyn, what he did with Dallas making big plays for them. He’s a well-established player.”

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It has been no secret that the Lakers have struggled offensively. In fact, they have the 11th worst offense in the league, with an offensive rating of 114.2. So Dinwiddie’s acquisition would certainly uplift their offense and make it more fluid. Moreover, he provides another ball-handling option to the Lakers. Despite shooting only 32% from three-point range, Dinwiddie has the potential to become an elite shooter from beyond the arc. Just two seasons ago, he shot an impressive 40.5% from three-point range while playing for the Mavericks. How will Dinwiddie’s addition pan out? Let us know in the comments below!

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