LeBron James Heaps praises Spencer Dinwiddie ahead of potential Los Angeles Lakers move
There is a lot of buzz surrounding Spencer Dinwiddie after the recent events that happened before the trade deadline. The Brooklyn Nets are making important steps to help improve their chances of a future rebuild. Dinwiddie was acquired by the Nets from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022–23 season to facilitate the Kyrie Irving trade scenario. This happened before last season’s trade deadline.
It’s been a year since that happened and Dinwiddie hasn’t been fitting in well with the Nets either. In 48 appearances, the veteran point guard averaged 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6 assists per game. This is just a show of what it was before. The Nets recently made a move with the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors to acquire some movable pieces. Dinwiddie was sent to the Raptors for Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young.
Business Description:
Net receive:
dennis schroder
Thaddeus YoungRaptors receive:
spencer dinwiddie
dennis smith jr(Via @wojespn , pic.twitter.com/rPB7QZaVpN
– NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) 8 February 2024
Shortly after the trade, the Raptors waived Spencer Dinwiddie and thus he became a free agent. So far, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks have been the frontrunners in the race to acquire the veteran. Both teams are trying to revitalize their rosters in an effort to make positive moves during the second half of the season. Before the Nets acquired Dinwiddie, he played for the Mavericks for almost two seasons.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis explain what Spencer Dinwiddie can bring to the Lakers. When D’Angelo Russell was asked what Dinwiddie was like as his former teammate, he said, “I’m a fan, but you’ll get to know him soon enough”. pic.twitter.com/tfIMruFC8w
-Dave McMenamin (@mcten) 10 February 2024
When LeBron James asked Dinwiddie his thoughts on the Lakers potentially signing him, he said, “Playmaking, another ball handler, another shotmaker, another veteran. Anytime you can add someone experienced with that caliber, it helps. We’ll see what happens.” Dinwiddie has been an efficient three-point shooter and facilitator throughout his career. He has averaged 33.1% on 4.8 attempts, while consistently recording at least 5.3 assists.
Mavericks could offer Spencer Dinwiddie more than the Lakers
Before being traded to the Nets, Spencer Dinwiddie agreed to a three-year, $54 million deal through 2021. It was part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Nets that sent him to Dallas for barely two seasons. After returning, he was set to complete his contract under the Nets before being recently traded and then waived by the Raptors. Now, the Lakers and Mavericks will not be able to match contracts due to salary cap restrictions.
Spencer Dinwiddie at the Lakers-Pelicans game with Rob Pelinka pic.twitter.com/aJAzGnoNNE
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) 10 February 2024
However, the Mavericks have a greater chance of acquiring Dinwiddie as they can offer him a minimum deal of $5.3 million. LA can only offer Spencer $1.5 million, which is a pretty low salary. Besides, they will not get bird rights either. Dinwiddie already has the experience of playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on two separate occasions. This could work in the Mavericks’ favor. Dinwiddie was seen at the Mavericks and Lakers’ most recent games, indicating he is potentially joining one of those teams.
