Spencer Dinwiddie, the highly sought-after player on the buyout market, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, bolstering their backcourt depth. The Lakers announced the signing on Saturday, revealing that Dinwiddie had chosen to join the team after attending their recent victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with general manager Rob Pelinka. This decision comes as no surprise, as Dinwiddie, a Los Angeles native, has been linked to the Lakers for years.
While Dinwiddie’s fit on the Lakers may raise some questions, considering their existing ball-handling talent, his addition addresses a crucial need for guard depth behind D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. With Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish sidelined due to injuries, and Max Christie recently spraining his ankle, Dinwiddie’s experience and proven ability as a rotation-caliber guard will be invaluable in filling the minutes gap left by these absences.
However, the key to Dinwiddie’s success in Los Angeles will be his 3-point shooting. Throughout his career, he has maintained a somewhat shaky 33.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. The Lakers have learned from their experience with Russell Westbrook that guards who struggle with 3-point shooting can hinder the team’s offensive performance. Nevertheless, there is hope that playing alongside better talent will elevate Dinwiddie’s shooting numbers. During his time with the Dallas Mavericks, he managed to shoot over 40% from downtown, benefiting from Luka Doncic’s playmaking abilities. The Lakers are optimistic that LeBron James can have a similar effect on Dinwiddie’s shooting efficiency.
With no trades made at the deadline, Dinwiddie becomes the Lakers’ signature midseason addition. His arrival comes at a crucial time when the team is in dire need of backcourt depth. As soon as he steps on the court, Dinwiddie will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the Lakers’ push for a playoff spot.
The signing of Spencer Dinwiddie is a significant move for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they strengthen their backcourt depth and address their need for a reliable guard. While his fit on the team may raise some concerns, particularly regarding his 3-point shooting, the Lakers are hopeful that playing alongside talented teammates like LeBron James will elevate Dinwiddie’s performance. As the Lakers continue their quest for a playoff spot, Dinwiddie’s arrival could prove to be a game-changer.