Lakers add Spencer Dinwiddie after clearing waivers

Newly signed Spencer Dinwiddie shoots over Anthony Davis. Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers are adding veteran point guard Spencer Dinwiddie to their roster after being released by the Toronto Raptors and clearing waivers on Saturday.

“Spencer is returning to his roots and the city where his journey began,” said Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations, Rob Pelinka. “His play-making and aggressiveness from the guard position provides us valuable depth as we continue our strong push toward the back half of the season.”

The L.A. native from Woodland Hills is signing for $1.5 million for the second half of the Lakers season, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The Lakers were able to offer Dinwiddie more than a minimum contract due to not using their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception on Gabe Vincent.

The 6-foot, 5-inch point guard was seen sitting next to Pelinka in Friday's win over the Pelicans.

In 48 games (starting all 48) for the Nets, the 6-foot, 5-inch point guard averaged 12.6 points and 6.0 assists and shot 32% from three on 5.8 attempts.

The transition should be smooth for the 12-year veteran, who has experience playing next to D’Angelo Russell in Brooklyn.

“I’m a fan. Y’all will get to know him soon,” Russell said on his former teammate.

LeBron was also asked about the potential addition of the veteran guard and what it would bring to the team.

"Playmaking—another ball handler, another shot-maker. Another guy, another veteran. Anytime you can add a veteran with that ability, it helps,” LeBron said.

The Lakers were among several playoff teams trying to add Dinwiddie during his process before getting waived.

The addition of Dinwiddie adds a versatile backup combo guard who can command the offense, as the Lakers have been without backup point guard Vincent for the majority of the season (5 games played).