The Los Angeles Lakers didn't make a move in the trade deadline but were fast to sign the point guard Spencer Dinwiddie in the buyout market as soon as he cleared waivers with the Toronto Raptors after the Brooklyn Nets traded him recently.
As soon as Spencer was announced, the Lakers fans started to be vocal online on how now that the team will have another option at the point guard position they were hoping for Ham to avoid using his beloved 3-guard lineup that hasn't done right in the past, especially with D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Spencer not being known for their top defensive skills.
But, using a 3-guard lineup is exactly what the Lakers head coach has in mind as NBA insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported: "Darvin Ham said that he envisions using Spencer Dinwiddie in three-guard lineups next to D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. He said he could see the Lakers closing with those lineups at times."
Ham pointed to Dinwiddie’s ability as an on-ball defender as a key reason why the group could play together in closing lineups. Dinwiddie certainly gives the Lakers a new element on the roster, as he’s another ball-handler that can fit alongside Russell and Reaves if an opponent of the Lakers decides to go small. With Gabe Vincent still out of the lineup and missing most of the 2023-24 season to date with a knee injury, the Lakers haven’t really had that luxury.
Having flexibility in the rotation, especially late in games, could be key for Ham as the Lakers look to make a late-season run up the Western Conference standings. Los Angeles improved after the trade deadline last season, and it’s possible that the addition of Dinwiddie could be just what the team needs right now.
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