Source: Following waiver clearance, Spencer Dinwiddie will join the Lakers
ANGELES — Spencer Dinwiddie, a free agency guard, will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers following his waiver clearance, an insider told ESPN on Saturday.
The 30-year-old Dinwiddie was dismissed by Toronto after being traded by the Brooklyn Nets for Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young on Thursday. Dinwiddie will pass waivers on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
The 10-year veteran was seated with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and vice president of basketball operations Jason Glushon of Glushon Sports Management in a lower-level luxury suite across from the team’s bench during Friday’s 139-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He talked with the Lakers’ coaches and players in the locker room following the game.
Playing alongside Dinwiddie in Brooklyn, D’Angelo Russell made hints that this trade was about to happen.
Russell said to ESPN, I’m a fan, in response to a question concerning Dinwiddie’s character. But soon, everyone will get to know him.
In 48 games this season for the Nets, Dinwiddie averaged 12.6 points on 39.1% shooting (32% from three) and 6.0 assists.
LeBron James was questioned about what Dinwiddie could offer in Los Angeles if he moved there.
According to James, playmaking is just like handling the ball or making a shot. Another veteran, another person. It helps whenever you can bring in a veteran with that kind of skill. So let’s wait and see.
Dinwiddie was also backed by Anthony Davis.
The 6-foot-5 Dinwiddie is a large guard, a creator of shots, and a facilitator, according to Davis. It goes without saying that we have witnessed his impressive plays for Dallas and Brooklyn. He is a seasoned competitor in the league.
Dinwiddie, a native of Los Angeles, restricted his options to rejoining the Mavericks or going back to his home city before deciding on the Lakers, people close to the player told ESPN.
According to sources, he will earn about $1.5 million for the balance of the season. Because Gabe Vincent signed for less than the full midlevel exception, the Lakers were able to offer him a salary that was somewhat higher than the prorated veteran minimum.
Following a quiet trade deadline, Pelinka promised to pursue buyouts aggressively. Dinwiddie can join the Los Angeles Lakers without the Lakers having to move any players to make room for him because Los Angeles already has available roster space.
With Max Christie (ankle) and Cam Reddish (knee) out for the Lakers and Vincent missing the majority of the season due to a knee ailment, Dinwiddie will, at least, add depth to a squad beset by injuries.