Latest News: Former Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie joins the Lakers…

Former Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie joins the Lakers, teaming up with LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers signed Spencer Dinwiddie, the team revealed on Saturday. With Kyle Lowry, who is expected to sign with the 76ers, among the most sought-after players on the buyout market, was Dinwiddie. The Dallas Mavericks, one of his previous clubs, was one of the teams that was interested in signing him.

But Dinwiddie finally decided to sign with the Lakers after he and general manager Rob Pelinka went to Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Dinwiddie, a native of Los Angeles, has long been associated with the Lakers. The timing was ripe to bring the Californian home, but there was never a deal on the table that made sense for all parties. Now that Dinwiddie may join the Lakers without giving up any assets.

On paper, Dinwiddie’s fit seems a little off. The Lakers already had a decent bit of ball-handling, even though Pelinka made it apparent before the trade deadline that he intended to look for it on the buyout market. It’s evident that LeBron James plays with the ball a lot. D’Angelo Russell is enjoying one of his greatest periods of play right now, while Austin Reaves has improved recently following a rocky season opener.

But there has been doubt about the depth of guard behind Russell and Reaves. Max Christie suffered a sprained ankle on Thursday, which will likely keep him out for several weeks. Gabe Vincent has also hardly played due to injury, and Cam Reddish has also been out for some time. Dinwiddie is a seasoned guard with a strong track record who can fill in for the Lakers while they manage all of these absences, if nothing else.

However, Dinwiddie’s 3-point shooting will be crucial to his success in Los Angeles. His career percentage is a worrisome 33.1%. With guards who can’t shoot threes, this squad cannot be effective offensively, as the Lakers discovered with Russell Westbrook. The Lakers are hoping that having more skill on the court would increase those stats. He hit more than 40% of his 3-pointers in the games he played with the Mavericks in about a season. Luka Doncic simplified his appearance. Maybe James can follow suit. If so, there may be a fit.

At the trade deadline, the Lakers made no trades. Dinwiddie is therefore their standout midseason signing. The Lakers are in desperate need of depth in the back court right now, so he’ll have an opportunity to influence their chances of making the playoffs from the moment he takes the court.