Lakers Rumors: 4 Reasons why the Lakers should not sign Dion Waiters

Dion Waiters couldn’t beat out a lottery pick, an undrafted rookie and a player with less than 75 games to make the rotation.

It is common knowledge that the Miami Heat franchise does have a physical fitness program that does border on the maniacal side. No other franchise demands their players to be in shape like Pat Riley, Eric Spoelstra and the Miami Heat. Think it’s a joke, ask LeBron James who spent four seasons in South Beach.

Last season, Dion Waiters thought averaging 12 points on 38 percent 3-point shooting in 26 minutes warranted him a starting spot. Most likely, after this buzzer-beater against the Warriors played in his mind, when Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn got spots in the rotation and he didn’t.

Only one problem, that was back in 2017. Let’s discuss what Waiters did this season. With all of the suspensions, not that much. Waiters averaged 9.3 points in three games. In those three games, he did shoot an impressive 8-of-17 from deep.

Let’s compare this production to the players that have a smaller chunk of time in the NBA and money on their paychecks.

Tyler Herro:

The lottery pick out of Kentucky immediately caught the attention of the franchise player Jimmy Butler (Must be hard-working!) and was immediately brought under his wing. For the season, Herro is averaging 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. He’s also shooting a respectful 39 percent from 3-point land.

Kendrick Nunn:

Kendrick Nunn is one of the feel-good stories of the NBA this season. The man wasn’t even drafted and worked his way on the Heat roster. Then he made the rotation and made Dion Waiters expendable. Nunn is averaging nearly 16 points a game with two rebounds and three assists. Plus he’s a staunch defender. In a game against the Brooklyn Nets, he scored 21 points.

Duncan Robinson:

This young player out of Michigan can just flat-out shoot. Period. Robinson is averaging a shade under 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. He is amongst the league leaders shooting 44 percent from 3-point land.

Here’s what the media will feed to you to justify this guy. 

Dion Waiters could play a part for the championship-contending Lakers. With his ability to be a ball-handler and a scorer, he could be a valuable addition to the team if he’s in shape and engaged.

Okay, now let’s deal with reality.

If Dion Waiters can’t beat out two rookies and a player that hasn’t played enough games to add up to a full season, it’s highly unlikely Waiters would beat out Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope,  Rajon Rondo or Danny Green. One of Dion’s suspensions was from acting out for lack of playing time. He’s not going to get a lot of time on this roster.

Now about his time with LeBron in Cleveland.