The Los Angele Lakers have navigated the 2024 offseason by committing to the roster in place. It's a risky endeavor considering Los Angeles lost in the first round of the playoffs this past season, but general manager Rob Pelinka seems to believe in the current core.
That approach to the roster inevitably resulted in speculation that free agent point guard Spencer Dinwiddie could re-sign with the Lakers.
Los Angeles added Dinwiddie late in the 2023-24 season, hoping to improve its depth at the point guard position. He struggled to find his form offensively, but his track record as a productive scorer and facilitator offered reason for intrigue.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Dinwiddie is no longer waiting on the Lakers to make a decision and has instead signed with the Dallas Mavericks.
Free agent guard Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed on a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Dinwiddie reunites with Mavs as an ideal backcourt fit. He averaged 17.4 points in parts of two Dallas seasons and was key on 2022 West Finals team. pic.twitter.com/WPxs6ol73L
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 22, 2024
With Dinwiddie off the market, it's become an all but foregone conclusion that the Lakers will look to the trade market if any roster additions are to be made.
Lakers free agent Spencer Dinwiddie signs with Dallas Mavericks
Los Angeles is in danger of reaching the second apron with any potential addition it makes via free agency. It's a driving force behind the team's decision-making, as the penalties for reaching that tier would be extensive and prohibit future trade flexibility.
Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times discussed the potential financial ramifications of re-signing Dinwiddie when asked if drafting Bronny James meant losing the veteran incumbent.
Yes and no - yes in the sense that had Bronny been signed to a two-way deal, the Lakers would’ve had an open roster spot. No, in the sense that a vet min contract is more expensive and would’ve given the Lakers 2nd apron problems galore so signing a rookie always made $$$ sense https://t.co/Y0opjEvqJA
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 22, 2024
While this might cause something of a commotion in certain circles, it's a testament to the Lakers' shift in philosophy. In addition to navigating the strict salary cap rules, Los Angeles is embracing a youth movement, of which James is a part.
In fact, the Lakers' only roster additions this offseason were Dalton Knecht and James via the 2024 NBA Draft, and rookies Blake Hinson and Armel Traore on two-way contracts.
The Lakers will return their starting five of Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and D'Angelo Russell. The team will also hope to get a full season out of Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, who appeared in a combined 40 games in 2023-24.
With the addition of Knecht, the reigning SEC Player of the Year and a projected top-10 pick, Los Angeles could roll out an intriguing eight-man lineup from the opening tip.
Bringing Dinwiddie back could've worked out, but Pelinka and the Lakers are more inclined to go the trade route for roster improvement. In terms of why, look no further than second apron penalties such as losing access to the taxpayer midlevel exception and being unable to include cash in a trade.
Throw in the penalty of having first-round picks that are seven years out frozen and untradable, and the Lakers' cap-driven offseason continues with letting Dinwiddie walk.