The Los Angeles Lakers had an empty roster spot after releasing guard Tony Daniels. Earlier this week, the Lakers worked out both J.R. Smith and Dion Waiters, and chose to move forward with Waiters.
Creates Shots
Waiters will likely have a limited role, but he will be able to help Los Angeles down the stretch. The Lakers were unable to find a point guard in the buyout market. Waiters gives the team another player that can create his own shot in both isolation and the pick-and-roll offense.
The member of the Heat known for setting up his teammates, but he will be forced to adapt. Outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers didn’t have a shot creator or another guy that can create their own shot. Waiters could be key when James goes to the bench in order to spark the offense.
Three-point shooting
Waiters is an excellent spot-up three-point shooter, as he shot 37% from behind the arch last season and 38.6% on catch-and-shoot threes. A player who can shoot from deep is something the Lakers need around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Issues
The Miami Heat suspended Waiters three times this season for failure to adhere to team policies and violation of team rules. The Lakers may not have a reason to worry, but they should move forward with caution. Waiters averaged 12.0 points per game in his last extended playing time during the 2018-19 season. This season, he has only appeared in three games.
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