Lakers Get 2nd Shot At Rumored Former $54 Million Trade Target

The Los Angeles Lakers were linked to many players ahead of the trade deadline, but didn’t really do anything to get at least one trade target. Well, the franchise did make some moves, but competition was tough and Rob Pelinka’s roster is still intact. Will this change in the near future?

Enter Toronto Raptors Spencer Dinwiddie.

“To avoid a $1.5M upcoming contract bonus for games played, the Toronto Raptors are planning to waive Spencer Dinwiddie,” The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania reported in a post on X, formerly Twitter on February 8. “Major new entry to the NBA’s buyout market who will be coveted by several playoff teams.”

SPENCER'S COOKIN' 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ANr9hPjiRo

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 14, 2023

According to reports, the Raptors waive Dinwiddie off a three-year $54 million deal. NBA teams can now acquire him for much less than that. LA can sign Dinwiddie for the veteran minimum.

The Lakers played safe, meaning they could be more aggressive in the summer. Pelinka can adjust the game by throwing in some first-rounders as LA has three first-round selections to work with.

The Lakers wanted Dinwiddie and he looked like a real trade target at one point.

“The Lakers are known to have interest in Spencer Dinwiddie,” Action Network’s Matt Moore wrote on January 21. “[He] is likely to generate a market before the deadline.”

Lakers can still get their trade target

The 30-year-old averages 12.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. He played with the Brooklyn Nets, but they shipped him to the Raptors. The Lakers need help in the shooting part of the game and Dinwiddie may not be the best alternative. He is a career 33.1% shooter from the three-point line and LA needs more than that.

“The trade deadline officially passed and the Lakers stood pat,” The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported in a post on X. “The organization will now turn its attention to the buyout market. Longer term, they plan to pursue a third star via trade this summer with their three movable first-round draft picks.”