Spencer Dinwiddie, the newly signed Los Angeles Lakers player, recently revealed why he chose to join the Lakers over the Dallas Mavericks. After being traded to the Toronto Raptors and subsequently waived, Dinwiddie had the opportunity to choose his next team. He likened the decision to a situation where a child is bullied and explained that the Mavericks would have been like the comforting words of a mother, whereas the Lakers are more like the determined mindset of a father, urging him to fight until he wins. Dinwiddie felt that the Lakers' mindset was what he needed at the time.
Dinwiddie's journey to the Lakers began when he was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Raptors. However, he was quickly bought out of his contract, opening the door for him to sign with the Lakers for the remainder of the season. Returning to Dallas, where he had previously enjoyed success in reaching the Western Conference finals alongside Luka Doncic, would have been the easier choice. However, Dinwiddie sought the pressure and high expectations that come with playing for the Lakers.
Joining the Lakers means playing under Coach Darvin Ham, who Dinwiddie has never played for, and alongside LeBron James, who is pushing for another Finals run. The Lakers' fanbase also expects nothing short of a championship. As an L.A. native, Dinwiddie also feels personal expectations to perform for his hometown team. Despite the pressure, Dinwiddie embraces the challenge, believing that the Lakers have the ability to rise to a level other teams cannot. He recognizes their history of winning and the intensity they bring to the court every night.
Dinwiddie's decision to join the Lakers was solidified when he attended a game and sat with Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka. Pelinka's initial phone call after Dinwiddie was waived impressed him, and being around the Lakers organization felt right. However, it was when Dinwiddie's son, Elijah, got to try on his dad's Lakers jersey that the significance of the decision truly hit him. Seeing his son embody the Lakers' colors made it a special and real moment for Dinwiddie.
Dinwiddie is set to make his debut for the Lakers against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. Coach Ham has expressed confidence in Dinwiddie's ability to acclimate quickly to the team. Despite not having prior experience playing with the Lakers, Dinwiddie does have preexisting connections with some of the team members from previous teams. However, he made it clear that it was LeBron James who played a significant role in influencing his decision to choose L.A.
As Spencer Dinwiddie begins his journey with the Los Angeles Lakers, he understands the challenges and expectations that come with being a part of such a storied franchise. With his determination and the support of his teammates and coaches, Dinwiddie is ready to contribute to the Lakers' pursuit of another championship.
