The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly adding Spencer Dinwiddie once he clears waivers, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The Toronto Raptors acquired and waived the veteran guard on Feb. 8. A significant reason for his immediate dismissal from Toronto was due to an impending $1.5 million bonus in his contract.
Dinwiddie, 30, will provide size, scoring and playmaking for the Lakers roster. He will form a fearsome guard rotation alongside D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. At 6-foot-5, he will also add some defensive versatility to Darvin Ham’s system, especially as a help defender.
Lakers fans will likely be hoping Dinwiddie can resolve his shooting woes. He has been struggling from the field this season, shooting 39.1% from the field and 32% from three-point range. Hopefully, the defensive attention LeBron James and Anthony Davis command will provide Dinwiddie with additional space to get his shot off.
The Purple and Gold were rumored to be looking for an additional ball-handler leading up to the trade deadline. The rumor mill had continually linked them with a potential trade for Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks. Now, the Lakers fill a need without losing any assets, allowing them to remain fluid heading into the offseason.
Dinwiddie will fill the 15th and final spot on the Lakers roster. As such, it’s unlikely we will see any further movement in the buyout market unless the front office waives another member of the team.
Furthermore, Dinwiddie’s arrival will likely push Jalen Hood-Schifino and Gabe Vincent further down the pecking order. Both will likely be viewed as injury insurance for the rest of the season unless they force their way into Ham’s plans.
Nevertheless, adding Dinwiddie is good business for the Lakers. Now, they need to turn their attention to proving they’re the championship team they say they are. That starts with finding consistency in the regular season.