NBA Rumors: Waiters Learning The Ropes, Aching To Help Lakers

KEY POINTS

Waiters is trying to get in shape
Lakers are finding right place for Waiters
Waiters is comfortable in Hollywood

Dion Waiters has yet to suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers but it appears the 28-year-old is not complaining. It remains that he has to work himself into game shape and needs to fully grasp the Lakers system to become a factor. Overall, he seems pretty content with the Lakers and knows what is expected from him.

Most know how Waiters had a tumultuous start this NBA season with the Miami Heat. That included serving three suspensions which left a bad taste in the mouth. But it appears the 4th round pick of the 2012 NBA Draft is ready to move on and prove that he can still ball. He is in a fine position to win an NBA ring, joining a team overflowing with talent.

Speaking of talent, Waiters may need to lower his expectations as far as playing time is concerned. He will need to console himself with spot minutes, aware that he will only be tasked to take shots from the outside once fed the spheroid. With LeBron James taking over playmaking duties, the reason seen as to why he was taken in is to make shots from the outside. Being a player who holds career averages of 41.2 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc, Waiters needs to be locked and loaded once his number is called by head coach Frank Vogel.

“I could easily just come in here and be myself. I don’t have to be nobody I’m not. So they opened the doors for me and welcomed me in with open arms, so it’s been smooth. It’s been really, really good,” Waiters said.

In an interview with the OC Register, Waiters reveals he is in a transition phase with the Lakers. He knows that Vogel and the coaching staff are trying to come up with plans to use him at the right time. Shooting will be the main thing expected from him though contributing in other ways will be welcome. All Waiters needs to do is show he can help in the Lakers' campaign and hopefully win an NBA ring.

For now, Waiters can take his time and work on his conditioning. The Lakers are leading the Western Conference and the grind starts once the postseason wars begin.