It’s NBA trade season, so it should be no surprise that the Los Angeles Lakers are in the mix. Every year, the Lakers are rumored to trade for a myriad of high-profile names. This time, it’s Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie.
NBA Rumors: Lakers Trading for Surprise Point Guard?
Dinwiddie Needs a Trade
NBA Trade Buzz: Spencer Dinwiddie’s Frustration in Brooklyn Sparks Lakers Trade Speculation
Spencer Dinwiddie’s tenure in Brooklyn has taken a sour turn, with reports suggesting he may be disheartened and accused of lackluster effort on the court.
The former Colorado Buffaloes standout is currently averaging just 13.5 points per game, his lowest scoring figures since the 2021-22 season when he returned from a debilitating ACL injury.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe delved into the statistics that support these claims, highlighting Dinwiddie’s recent underwhelming performance. Lowe noted, “He has attempted six or fewer field goals in five of Brooklyn’s past seven games—and only 16 2-point shots in total during that stretch.
It’s as if he’s a point guard in name only, appearing distant and half-engaged. Dinwiddie’s drive rate stands at 14 per 100 possessions, the second-lowest of his career according to Second Spectrum.
His attempts at the rim are nearing an all-time low. Both metrics are heading in a concerning direction. It almost looks as if Dinwiddie is on some sort of strike.”
Interestingly, the Los Angeles Lakers’ dire need for playmakers has fueled speculation that a change of scenery might reignite Dinwiddie’s passion.
In a twist of fate, when Dinwiddie’s Nets clashed with the Lakers recently, he put up an impressive 19-point performance on just 11 attempts, contributing to the Nets’ 130-118 victory in LA.
Dinwiddie’s Journey: Spencer Dinwiddie has been a fan favorite during his time with the Nets, primarily for his significant contributions during his initial stint in Brooklyn. Originally drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2014, Dinwiddie’s career took a detour when he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2016, but he was waived before the regular season began.
Brooklyn then decided to sign him a few months later, and that’s where Dinwiddie truly blossomed in the NBA. His standout season was in 2019-20, when he averaged 20.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.
While the Nets made the playoffs that year, their journey was short-lived, with a first-round exit courtesy of the Toronto Raptors.
Potential Lakers Trade Assets: Dinwiddie is in the final year of a three-year, $54 million contract, making him an attractive trade target.
If the Lakers are interested in acquiring him, a straightforward option could be trading D’Angelo Russell, who recently signed a two-year, $36 million deal with the Lakers.
Russell enjoyed successful years in Brooklyn, alongside Dinwiddie, from 2017 to 2019.
However, Russell is three years younger than Dinwiddie, and the Lakers may hesitate to add another aging player to their roster.
Another viable trade candidate for the Lakers could be Rui Hachimura, who recently signed a three-year, $51 million extension in the summer.
While the Lakers had high hopes for Hachimura, his performance has dipped recently following a promising debut season in 2022-23 with the Purple and Gold.
With the Lakers frequently reshaping their roster in recent years, one might question if continuity is the solution they’ve been avoiding.
Nevertheless, it’s evident that the Lakers are determined to make a move. Could a Spencer Dinwiddie trade be the answer to their roster woes? Only time will tell.
