Spencer Dinwiddie Set to Join the Los Angeles Lakers Post Waiver Process

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to sign free agent Spencer Dinwiddie once he has cleared the waiver process, according to a knowledgeable source conveyed to ESPN this past Saturday.

The 30-year-old guard, Dinwiddie, was part of a trade deal that moved him from the Brooklyn Nets to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Thad Young on Thursday, only to be waived by the Raptors soon after. His waiver clear date is set for 5 p.m. ET.

Dinwiddie recently attended the Lakers’ game, where they emerged victorious over the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 139-122. He was in the company of his agent, Jason Glushon from Glushon Sports Management, and was spotted alongside Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, in one of the low-tier luxury suites directly opposite the Lakers’ bench. Postgame, Dinwiddie made his way to the Lakers’ locker room where he met with team members and coaching staff.

A hint of Dinwiddie’s forthcoming move to the Lakers was dropped by D’Angelo Russell, Dinwiddie’s former Brooklyn teammate.

Russell commented on Dinwiddie, remarking, “I’m a fan, but you all will get to know him soon.”

For the Nets this season, Dinwiddie’s performance included an average of 12.6 points with a shooting success of 39.1% from the field (32% from beyond the arc) and 6.0 assists across 48 games.

LeBron James, when asked about the potential addition of Dinwiddie to the Lakers, spoke on the guard’s ability to handle the ball, make plays and shots, and his experience. He stated, “Playmaking, another ball handler, another shotmaker,” James said. “Another guy, another veteran. Anytime you can add a veteran with that ability, it helps. So we’ll see what happens.”

Anthony Davis also showed his support for Dinwiddie, highlighting his stature and skill by saying, “He’s a big guard, shotmaker, playmaker,” Davis noted. “Obviously, we’ve seen what he did with Brooklyn, what he did with Dallas making big plays for them. He’s a well-established player of that in his league.”

Before deciding to sign with the Lakers, the LA native considered a reunion with the Dallas Mavericks or a return to his home city, sources indicate. Dinwiddie has reportedly agreed to a deal of approximately $1.5 million for the rest of the season. The Lakers, with additional salary space from Gabe Vincent’s mid-level exception, which he signed for less than the full mid level, could offer Dinwiddie more than the prorated veteran’s minimum.

Lakers’ Rob Pelinka had pledged to take decisive actions in the buyout market after a relatively subdued trade deadline. The Lakers had an available roster spot, enabling the team to sign Dinwiddie without having to release any other players.

Considering the team has faced injuries throughout the season, with Vincent, Reddish, and Christie among those out of play due to various injuries, Dinwiddie’s impending addition should bring much-needed depth to the squad.

The Athletic was first to report Dinwiddie’s plan to sign with the Lakers.