Done Deal: Spencer Dinwiddie Lands Mega $24.5 Million Deal with Lakers
Spencer Dinwiddie appears to like the idea of playing for the Lakers
Spencer Dinwiddie is set to hit the open market once he clears waivers, as the Toronto Raptors released him after acquiring him from the Brooklyn Nets on trade deadline day. Dinwiddie is now arguably the biggest name in the buyout market, and he liked a post on X about him potentially being a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dinwiddie was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended William Howard Taft Charter High School in LA as well. He idolized Kobe Bryant and was a Lakers fan growing up, so I am sure he would strongly entertain the idea of playing for them.
The 30-year-old has struggled in this 2023-24 season, averaging just 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 39.1% from the field for the Nets. A change in scenery might just be what he needs to get back on track, however.
The interest very much appears to be mutual in this case. NBA insider Dave McMenamin is reporting that the Lakers, who are now 27-26 on the season, are among the front runners to sign Dinwiddie, once he clears waivers.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are among the front runners to sign guard Spencer Dinwiddie when he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. The 30-year-old L.A. native averaged 12.6 points and 6.0 assists for BKN this season.”
For much of this season, the Lakers have been attempting to bring in some help at the guard spot. They had been heavily linked with Zach LaVine, at first, and then Dejounte Murray, but failed to acquire either of the two. You’d expect them to be aggressive in the buyout market, and Dinwiddie just seems like an obvious target.
He has shown over the years that he can be a very productive player on offense, both as a scorer and playmaker. He would also be an upgrade on the defensive end over D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, although that’s not saying much.
The Lakers were also reportedly interested in trading for Dinwiddie, and it would be quite the coup if they get him for nothing here. There is going to be a lot of interest in his services, though.
One of the teams the Lakers will be up against in the Dinwiddie sweepstakes is the Dallas Mavericks. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Mavericks are among the teams pursuing Dinwiddie.
“The Mavericks will be among the teams pursuing Spencer Dinwiddie on the buyout market, league sources say.”
Dinwiddie added some fuel to that fire by being in attendance for the game between the Mavericks and the New York Knicks on Thursday night. He also interestingly chose to sit behind the Mavs bench.
Dinwiddie, of course, had a lot of success playing for the Mavericks from 2022 to 2023. He averaged 17.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game during his time there, as he helped the Mavericks get to the Western Conference Finals in 2022.
The Mavericks had then traded him to the Nets as part of the package for Kyrie Irving, and would now welcome him back with open arms. They need a third ball-handler on the team after Luka Doncic and Irving, and Dinwiddie would be a great fit in that role.
Considering Irving has also missed a fair bit of time due to injuries this season, Dinwiddie would also help ease the playmaking load on Doncic should Kyrie miss more time. As you can see, he can help a lot of teams, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.