Spencer Dinwiddie #26 Lives Childhood Dream, Signs with Hometown Team Los Angeles Lakers
Spencer Dinwiddie, a veteran guard, has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the remainder of the season, fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for his hometown team. The Lakers coach, Darvin Ham, has big plans for Dinwiddie, intending to give him a key role in the team. Ham stated that he will utilize Dinwiddie in three-guard lineups alongside D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, similar to Dennis Schroder’s role last season.
According to Ham, all three players have the ability to play together. He believes that Dinwiddie’s size allows him to guard bigger wings, making him a valuable asset to the team. Ham expressed confidence in using lineups that include Dinwiddie, Russell, Reaves, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. He praised Dinwiddie’s defensive skills, passing ability, ball-handling, and shooting.
To ensure a smooth transition, Dinwiddie and Ham engaged in an extensive film session, during which Ham explained and wrote out the Lakers’ play-call terminology on both offense and defense. Dinwiddie also went through an individual workout with assistant coach JD DuBois.
Dinwiddie will make his Lakers debut on February 13 against one of his former teams, the Detroit Pistons. For the California native, playing for the Lakers is a dream come true. Dinwiddie, who excelled at William Howard Taft High School, located just 24 miles from the Crypto.com arena, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to make an impact and help the team win a championship. Being able to play for his hometown team holds special significance for him.
After spending time in the NBA and G League over the past decade, Dinwiddie finally feels at home with the Lakers. The sight of his jersey in the locker room was a powerful moment for him, but it was when his son put on the jersey and ran down the corridor that the reality truly sank in. Dinwiddie described the experience as a special moment, as his son became the reason why he felt the significance of playing for the Lakers.
Dinwiddie used an interesting analogy to explain why he chose the Lakers over the Dallas Mavericks, his former team, who also expressed interest in signing him after he was waived by the Toronto Raptors. He compared the Lakers to a father figure, pushing him to fight until he wins, while Dallas would have been like a comforting mother figure. Dinwiddie felt that the Lakers’ mentality was what he needed at this point in his career.
Spencer Dinwiddie recently revealed why he chose to join the Lakers instead of the Mavericks. According to Dinwiddie, the Lakers embody a tough and determined mentality, much like a father figure who pushes you to keep fighting until you come out on top. In contrast, Dinwiddie likened the Mavericks to a comforting mother figure who would console you after facing adversity.
For Dinwiddie, the decision to play for Dallas would have meant staying within his comfort zone. As a hometown hero, he would have had the opportunity to represent a storied franchise that he had always admired. However, Dinwiddie recognized the immense pressure that comes with playing for a team in your own backyard.
By choosing the Lakers, Dinwiddie is embracing a new challenge and stepping out of his comfort zone. He is ready to face the pressure and expectations that come with playing for one of the most iconic teams in the NBA. Dinwiddie’s decision reflects his determination to push himself and strive for greatness.
It remains to be seen how Dinwiddie’s choice will impact his career and the Lakers’ performance. However, one thing is clear – Dinwiddie is ready to fight and give his all for the Lakers, just like a determined child facing a bully.
According to the Source heavy.com