Lakers reportedly have interest in trade for Eastern Conference guard

As the NBA trade deadline approaches rapidly, the Los Angeles Lakers (22-22) are reportedly targeting All-Star guards Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray. However, there is speculation whether the Purple & Gold might opt for a more budget-friendly alternative, such as a quality role player.

According to information from Matt Moore of The Action Network, the Lakers have shown internal interest in Spencer Dinwiddie, a Los Angeles native and Brooklyn Nets guard who was a devoted fan of the late Kobe Bryant during his upbringing.

Despite playing for three different teams in as many years, Dinwiddie remains a valuable rotational player, averaging 13.5 points and 6.1 assists this season. Crucially, he could address the Lakers’ pressing need for improved shooting depth. The team currently ranks 28th in the league in 3-pointers made and 18th in 3-point percentage.

While Dinwiddie’s 3-point shooting stands at 33 percent, it’s noteworthy that he had multiple seasons shooting over 40 percent while playing alongside Luka Doncic in a Dallas Mavericks uniform. Similar to Doncic, LeBron James creates ample open 3-point opportunities for his teammates through his driving and passing abilities—a strategy that has propelled many of his teams deep into the postseason.

 

 

Moreover, compared to potential trades for LaVine or Murray, acquiring Dinwiddie would likely require fewer valuable assets. Dinwiddie is owed $18.8 million this season, the final year of his contract. The Lakers could potentially include Rui Hachimura and rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino in the deal, avoiding the need to trade D’Angelo Russell, who has been performing well since returning to the starting unit, averaging 27.2 points and 6.4 assists in the last five games.

Additionally, the Lakers have been connected to Tyus Jones and Collin Sexton, both of whom are guards that could be acquired at a lower cost compared to LaVine or Murray.

Despite league-wide expectations for the Lakers to be active before the February 8 deadline, LeBron James recently played down the likelihood of GM Rob Pelinka making significant changes to the roster.