ANGELES — Following his waiver clearance on Saturday, free agency guard Spencer Dinwiddie signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, the organization announced.
The 30-year-old Los Angeles native Dinwiddie was traded on Thursday by the Brooklyn Nets to the Raptors in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young. Toronto then released him. Dinwiddie passed waivers on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Rob Pelinka, the general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Lakers, said in a statement on Saturday that Spencer was going back to his hometown and the place where his adventure started. “We are happy to have him return to Los Angeles, his hometown. We are overjoyed that he will don the recognizable Lakers uniform in front of his loved ones. His competitiveness and ability to make plays at the guard position give us important depth as we continue to push hard in the second half of the season. Spencer strengthens our roster with a plethora of expertise and a track record of postseason success.”
Ten-year veteran Dinwiddie was seated with Pelinka in a lower-level luxury suite across from the team bench during the Lakers’ 139-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, accompanied by his agent, Jason Glushon of Glushon Sports Management. 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 you all will get to know him soon.”
In 48 games this season for the Nets, Dinwiddie averaged 12.6 points on 39.1% shooting (32% from three) and 6.0 assists.
When asked what Dinwiddie could do for the Lakers, LeBron James responded.
“Playmaking, another ball handler, another shot-maker,” stated James. “Another veteran, another man. It helps whenever you can bring in a veteran with that kind of skill. Thus, we’ll wait and see.”
Dinwiddie was also backed by Anthony Davis.
The 6-foot-5 Dinwiddie is a “big guard, shot-maker, and playmaker,” according to Davis. “It goes without saying that we have witnessed his impressive plays for Dallas and Brooklyn. In his league, he is a reputable player in that regard.”
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 veterans minimum.
Pelinka vowed to be “aggressive” in the buyout market following a quiet trade deadline. Since Los Angeles already had a space available on the roster, Dinwiddie could be signed without the Lakers having to move any players to make room for him.
With Max Christie (ankle) and Cam Reddish (knee) out for the Lakers and Vincent (knee) out for the majority of the season, Dinwiddie will at the very least add depth to a squad beset by injuries.
