Lakers Tipped to Make Under-the-Radar Play for $16M Free Agent in Offseason Shakeup…read more…
In what could be a pivotal offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, a new report suggests the franchise may be eyeing a quiet but strategic addition to their roster. The Lakers are reportedly being linked with a “sneaky” move for a $16 million free agent—an acquisition that could reshape their supporting cast and strengthen their postseason hopes heading into the 2025 NBA season.
According to multiple NBA insiders, the Lakers’ front office is exploring lesser-publicized options in free agency that might not generate headline buzz but could prove to be difference-makers on the court. While marquee names like DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson have dominated offseason speculation, the Lakers appear to be shifting their focus toward undervalued, high-impact players.
The player in question? Nets guard and former Sixth Man of the Year contender Spencer Dinwiddie, who’s entering free agency after completing a two-year, $32 million contract. Dinwiddie, who split last season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, is now drawing interest from several playoff-contending teams, including a potential reunion with the Purple and Gold.
League sources believe Dinwiddie could sign a mid-level deal hovering around $16 million, a price tag the Lakers are willing to explore through creative cap structuring or sign-and-trade avenues.
A Strategic Fit
Dinwiddie’s potential return to Los Angeles would offer multiple benefits. During his brief stint with the Lakers following the 2024 trade deadline, he provided solid backcourt depth and versatility. Although his offensive production saw a dip compared to previous seasons—averaging just 6.8 points and 3.5 assists per game—his presence stabilized the bench unit during critical stretches.
He also brought veteran experience, playmaking instincts, and a strong locker room presence—elements the Lakers lacked at times throughout a rollercoaster 2024 campaign. In the playoffs, Dinwiddie’s savvy on-ball defense and ability to run the second unit became increasingly valuable, especially when D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves struggled with consistency.
Head coach JJ Redick, who was officially named Lakers head coach in June, has reportedly expressed interest in keeping Dinwiddie around. Redick is believed to favor guards who can handle multiple roles—facilitating, spacing the floor, and defending in switches—all areas where Dinwiddie has shown flashes of impact.
Cap Considerations and Flexibility
The Lakers’ ability to make this move hinges on their management of the cap sheet. With LeBron James opting into his $51 million player option and Anthony Davis locked into a long-term deal, the Lakers will have to juggle salary cap gymnastics to stay under the luxury tax apron.
However, the team still holds a few tools to remain competitive in the free-agent market. The mid-level exception (MLE), valued around $12.8 million, could be split to sign more than one player or used to secure Dinwiddie on a two-year deal with incentives.
Another route is a potential sign-and-trade with Brooklyn, which could allow the Lakers to offer Dinwiddie a slightly larger deal without absorbing the full cap hit upfront. While this would require player cooperation and likely draft compensation, the Lakers have shown a willingness to trade second-round picks to sweeten such deals.
General Manager Rob Pelinka has been vocal about targeting “high-IQ, versatile veterans” rather than chasing big-name signings that may not mesh with the core roster. “We need guys who can complement LeBron and AD without overlapping too much,” Pelinka said during his end-of-season press conference. “Depth and fit matter more now than name recognition.”
Past Chemistry, Future Upside
One key advantage in pursuing Dinwiddie is his existing chemistry with the Lakers roster. Players like Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt have already shared court time with Dinwiddie and benefited from his unselfish style of play. His ability to adapt quickly and make plays within a limited role didn’t go unnoticed in the Lakers’ short-lived playoff run last season.
Moreover, at 31 years old, Dinwiddie still has a few productive years left in him and has avoided major injuries since recovering from a torn ACL in 2020. His experience with playoff teams—such as his strong performances during the Mavericks’ 2022 Western Conference Finals run—adds credibility to his value in clutch moments.
“Dinwiddie might not light up the box score every night, but he’s a glue guy that playoff teams need,” said one anonymous Western Conference scout. “If the Lakers can keep him for the right price, it’s a smart move.”
Contending With Other Suitors
While the Lakers are in the mix, they’re not alone in their interest. Reports indicate that the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings are also keeping tabs on Dinwiddie. All three teams are looking to solidify their backcourt rotations and could offer similar financial packages.
What may tip the scale in the Lakers’ favor is location, comfort, and opportunity. Dinwiddie, a Los Angeles native, has often spoken about his affinity for playing in his hometown. Additionally, the chance to play alongside future Hall of Famers like LeBron and AD and under a fresh coaching perspective with Redick could be too appealing to pass up.
Lakers’ Bigger Picture
The potential re-signing of Dinwiddie signals a shift in the Lakers’ strategy: a move away from chasing stars toward building a well-rounded, cohesive unit. With the Western Conference getting stronger each year, depth and stability may ultimately decide whether the Lakers make another deep postseason push—or bow out early once again.
If Dinwiddie does return to Los Angeles, it won’t be the flashiest signing of the offseason. But in a league where subtle roster decisions can tip the balance of power, it might just be the most important one.
Conclusion
While much of the NBA world watches for blockbuster trades and superstar pairings, the Lakers may be preparing for a more understated, calculated move. A reunion with Spencer Dinwiddie could be the type of “sneaky” acquisition that bolsters their title ambitions—proving that in basketball,
sometimes the smartest moves are the quietest ones.
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