Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons why signing Dion Waiters helps
Dion Waiters was recently bought out by the Memphis Grizzlies after a trade with the Miami Heat. We take a look at why he could help the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dion Waiters is far from a superstar in the NBA, but could he be the missing piece for the Los Anegles Laker?
If he was he a superstar, he wouldn’t find himself bouncing from team to team as he has. Even with two years left on his deal, including this year, the Grizzlies decided it was best to part ways with him.
Waiters was acquired in the deal that sent Andre Iguodala to the Heat. The Grizzlies had no use for Waiters thus making him a candidate for the Lakers on the buyout deadline market.
Waiters does have some off the court issues that have affected his play. Such as the gummies incident that has wiped out most of his season this year. He also had trouble making it to practice and seemed like he was mentally checked out from Miami.
That is a cause for concern when looking at the grand scheme of things. Is it something that is behind him or is it a sign of more things to come? What could be the risks and what could be the rewards of bringing Waiters in?
That is something that Rob Pelinka and Lakers brass will have to assess. But it is not very often you see someone with the talent of Waiters hit the market so late in a season. The Lakers are very wise to be bringing him in to discuss a workout and strengthen their bench.
I mentioned here last week that Waiters could be an option as a buyout candidate. Due to the issues, he was having in Miami, it made it seem like a logical route. Once he landed on Memphis it seemed like a lock and then it was granted.
We detail three reasons why the Lakers would be wise to sign Waiters. Putting past issues behind and a change of scenery could be what he needs. The reward outweighs the risk and it shouldn’t cost more than a veteran’s minimum.
Lakers also have the Disabled Player Exception from DeMarcus Cousins to offer to beat out other teams if needed.