Los Angeles Lakers fans will need to wait just a little bit longer to see the newly acquired Dion Waiters on the floor.
Many Los Angeles Lakers supporters were slightly puzzled when the team did not make any splashes at the trade deadline. What made it sting even more was the fact that the Clippers managed to upgrade their roster during that same stretch.
Granted the Lakers were quiet at the trade deadline, they have made a couple moves since then. To begin with, the organization opted to waive center DeMarcus Cousins before he ever got the chance to suit up for them. They signed Markieff Morris not too long thereafter.
Next, the Lakers chose to waive sharpshooter Troy Daniels in favor of Dion Waiters. Despite the new signing, though, Waiters did not see action versus Milwaukee or the Clippers over the weekend.
Subsequent to Waiters’ first practice with the team, head coach Frank Vogel commented on the team’s newest addition. Per Dan Duangdao of Lakers Nation (originally via Tania Ganguli of the LA Times), the primary focus right now is for Waiters to get into better shape physically.
"“He scrimmaged today with a couple of guys that didn’t play a lot last night and with some of our video guys,” Vogel said. “So, he’ll be in all of practice, the work that we do. … The biggest thing with him is getting his legs under him, so the more that he can play five-on-five, the better.”"
Certainly, the Lakers are implementing a wise approach here. Waiters has played in only three games during the 2019-20 campaign. Thus, it is logical that Los Angeles is being patient with the 28-year-old shooting guard.
For those who are desperate to see Waiters play, it will be a little longer before that occurs. Although no exact timetable has been given, Vogel did tell Dave McMenamin of ESPN that it will likely be “a few games” until Waiters plays for the purple and gold.
Indeed, terms like “a few” are ambiguous at best. Nevertheless, it is sensible that L.A. wants Waiters to be his best self before contributing. The Lakers are coming off their best two-game stretch of the season and are legitimate championship contenders.
Additionally, Vogel reemphasized the importance of conditioning to McMenamin. Since Waiters has barely played all year, the Lakers’ skipper stated that he wants Dion to get more reps in at this juncture.
For those who may not be aware, it is key to understand why Waiters has not played much this season. The ballplayer was suspended on several occasions by his former employer, the Miami Heat.
One such incident was elaborated on by McMenamin. Waiters previously served a 10-game suspension this year due to the ingestion of a THC-infused edible on a team flight.
On that note, the Lakers are crossing the fingers that their newest player has learned from his errors in judgment and is willing to concentrate on basketball alone.
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The primary reason Los Angeles picked up Waiters was to give their bench an added punch. The Lakers have not had a consistent third scoring threat this season and signing the former member of the Heat gives them a good shot creator.
As was said, no one knows exactly when Dion will debut for the Lakers. While many are curious to see how he plays, the new acquisition understands how crucial it is to be patient at the moment.
Via Christian Rivas of SB Nation (originally per the team’s Twitter page), Waiters admitted he still needs to get a little more adjusted to his new environment.
"“I’m just trying to get my feet wet and get back into the rhythm of things like that, and figure out the plays, and still get to know the guys.” I knew most of the guys. We all grew up on AAU circuits and things like that, so it wasn’t hard for me. It was easy for me to just come in here and be myself — I don’t need to be nobody I’m not. They opened the doors for me, welcomed me in with open arms, so it’s been smooth — like, really, really good.”"
Perhaps the most significant thing will be having the luxury of an added piece once it is playoff time. Certainly, Waiters provides the Lakers with more depth and talent than they previously had.
Teams like the one the Lakers played on Sunday afternoon are loaded. Therefore, they can use as much help as possible to better ensure they are prepared for when the real season commences.
The best thing Dion can do right now is work tirelessly in practice so he is firing on all cylinders when Vogel gives him the green light. The timetable remains uncertain, but it should not be too much longer until Waiters sees the hardwood once again.