NBA: LA Lakers Sign Dion Waiters, Hoping For A Dwight-Like Resurgence

KEY POINTS

Dion Waiters has signed with the LA Lakers
Waiters can put his career back on track with much like how Dwight Howard was able to do so
Waiters is a gifted scorer who adds as a shooting threat from beyond the arc for the Lakers

The LA Lakers have filled up their final roster spot by signing Dion Waiters. The former free agent from the Miami Heat participated in a workout with the Purple and Gold a week ago. The Lakers also hosted former NBA Champion JR Smith in a workout where his shooting and experience with Lebron James stood out.

But the Lakers eventually went with Waiters as the regular season is approaching its final stretch. Waiters is a talented guard who has a complete offensive package. He was a valuable piece with the Heat but friction eventually rose with them. His multiple offenses against team policy got him suspended on three different occasions.

The Lakers are hoping for a change with Waiters, much like how Dwight Howard has been able to turn it around. Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins shared that Waiters can bounce back like how Howard returned to relevance in the league. This year featured a resurgence of Howard as a serviceable piece for a contender. While Howard isn’t putting up big minutes compared to his former teams, he’s now found and understood a new role for the organization.

I told y’all MFs a month ago that Dion Waiters is what the Lakers needed. I see another Dwight Story in the making!!!! Don’t @ me. Lakers just got better.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 5, 2020

Waiters could be in line for a similar return path as the big man as the Lakers are in need of someone who could be an additional offensive boost beyond Lebron and Davis. Kyle Kuzma is currently the team’s third-leading scorer and adding Waiters’ scoring ability can help the team.

Per Shams Charania, if Waiters doesn’t pull off a change then that leaves the organization with no choice but to release him. This was agreed upon the Lakers and Waiters’ agent – who just so happens to be Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. Paul is also the agent of fellow Laker stars Lebron and Anthony Davis.

Sources: Waiters, his agent Rich Paul and the Lakers had several conversations, they have been positive, and it's been made clear among all: This must work out for him -- otherwise, Lakers reserve the option to release him. https://t.co/rGL3xlxFvo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2020

Waiters is a gifted scorer who can knock down jump shots at ease. He has the ability to pull up from three and can quickly get down on defense. He started his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he was at one point tallying around 16 points per game.

He was part of a three-team trade that ironically brought JR Smith with Lebron in the Cavaliers and him shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He then found a new team with the Heat and is now hoping for a deep playoff performance with the Lakers.