Spencer Dinwiddie recently completed his first practice with the Los Angeles Lakers after being traded to the Toronto Raptors and subsequently waived. When asked about his decision to join the Lakers over the Dallas Mavericks, Dinwiddie likened the two situations to dealing with a bully. He described Dallas as the comforting mother figure who says, “It’s okay, baby. Don’t worry about it,” while the Lakers were compared to the stern father who insists, “You better go out there and fight ’til you win.” Dinwiddie felt that the Lakers’ mentality of pushing for success was what he needed at the time.
Joining the Lakers as an L.A. native brings added pressure to perform for the team he grew up cheering for. With expectations from the fanbase and the desire to help LeBron James secure another Finals run, Dinwiddie is well aware that his decision to join the Lakers will not go unnoticed. The pressure cooker environment of the Lakers, coupled with their history of rising to big moments, presents a unique challenge for the 10-year veteran guard.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, played a significant role in swaying Dinwiddie’s decision to join the team. Pelinka reached out to Dinwiddie immediately after he was waived, and the positive vibes surrounding the Lakers organization helped solidify his choice. A pivotal moment for Dinwiddie was when his son, Elijah, tried on a Lakers jersey with his father’s number on it, emphasizing the reality of the situation and the special connection he felt with the team.
Despite limited experience playing with the Lakers, Dinwiddie is set to make his debut against the Detroit Pistons. Coach Darvin Ham has expressed confidence in Dinwiddie’s ability to acclimate quickly to the team’s system, especially with several key players sidelined due to injury. The coaching staff is focused on supporting Dinwiddie and encouraging him to play without fear of making mistakes, highlighting the trust they have in his capabilities.
While Dinwiddie may be new to the Lakers roster, he already has connections to several teammates from his previous stints in the NBA. Playing with players like D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, Rui Hachimura, and Christian Wood in the past has provided Dinwiddie with some familiarity within the team. However, he humorously dismissed the notion that Wood played a significant role in his decision to join the Lakers, emphasizing the importance of the team’s overall culture and potential for success.
Spencer Dinwiddie’s decision to join the Los Angeles Lakers over the Dallas Mavericks reflects his desire for a high-pressure environment that pushes him to strive for greatness. With a supportive front office, a strong connection to the team, and a readiness to make an immediate impact on the court, Dinwiddie is poised to bring his talents to a championship-hungry Lakers team. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on Dinwiddie to see how he rises to the challenge and helps elevate the Lakers to new heights of success.