Rob Pelinka, the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, was recently spotted sitting next to Spencer Dinwiddie, fueling speculation about the Lakers’ interest in signing the veteran guard.
SPENCER DINWIDDIE IS A LAKER pic.twitter.com/hWYkq9UEkC
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) February 10, 2024
Dinwiddie, who was waived by the Toronto Raptors after being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade involving Dennis Schroder, is expected to clear waivers due to his high salary and a games played bonus. Once he becomes a free agent, the Lakers are considered one of the frontrunners to sign him on the buyout market.
The Lakers, who opted not to make any moves at the NBA trade deadline, have been linked to Dinwiddie as a potential addition to their roster. Despite his inefficiency, Dinwiddie has proven to be a capable player, averaging 12.6 points and 6.0 assists per game with the Nets this season.
If Dinwiddie joins the Lakers, he is likely to play a backup role behind D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and potentially Gabe Vincent upon his return from injury. The Lakers have some financial flexibility, with about $1.6 million remaining from their mid-level exception to use on a buyout free agent.
However, Dinwiddie’s decision to sign with the Lakers may hinge on the role he is offered and his desire to play for his hometown team. While the Lakers present an opportunity to contend for a championship, Dinwiddie may opt for a team where he can have a larger role on the court.
As Pelinka was spotted alongside Dinwiddie, it adds to the speculation surrounding the Lakers’ interest in acquiring the veteran guard and potentially bolstering their roster for the remainder of the season.
The Lakers Have Faith In Their Squad
The Los Angeles Lakers opted to stand pat at the trade deadline, signaling their faith in the current roster despite a challenging season thus far. With rumors dwindling as the deadline approached, it became evident that the Lakers were unlikely to make any significant moves.
The decision could stem from a belief in the potential of their squad, particularly when healthy. Injuries have plagued the Lakers throughout the season, disrupting chemistry and consistency. However, when their key players are available and operating at full strength, the Lakers have shown glimpses of their championship-caliber potential.
Another factor in the Lakers’ decision may be the reluctance to part ways with valuable assets in a limited trade market. With few impactful players available and high asking prices for those who were, the Lakers may have deemed it wiser to retain their assets rather than make a move for the sake of it.
Currently sitting 9th in the Western Conference with a record of 27-26, the Lakers acknowledge that they have not met expectations thus far. However, they remain committed to the roster assembled during the offseason, which was initially expected to compete for the championship.
Looking ahead, the Lakers may be preserving their resources for potential opportunities in the future. With the trade deadline passed, they could be eyeing significant moves in the upcoming offseason to address any shortcomings and reinforce their roster for future success.
By standing pat at the trade deadline, the Lakers are signaling their belief in the talent and potential of their current squad while keeping their options open for future roster adjustments.
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