Lakers eyeing Gary Trent Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie after LeBron James' $3 million pay cut
The LA Lakers are reportedly interested in bringing in All-Star guard Spencer Dinwiddie and Gary Trent Jr. to Southern California, according to Jovan Buha of the Athletic. A move for a premier shooting guard to complement the roster has been expected. Dinwiddie and Trent Jr. are on the organization's radar as they look to add some pieces to support LeBron James with a push for a fifth NBA title.
It has been a roller-coaster offseason for the Lakers. After losing out in the first round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets, the organization opted for a coaching change. The team was rumored to be interested in NCAA championship coach Dan Hurley, before eventually agreeing to a deal with JJ Redick for the head coaching position.
With regards to the roster, the only additions have been their two draft picks, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. The organization has been relatively inactive in the free agency market but did manage to retain LeBron James on a two-year, $101.35 million deal.
That was reportedly a $104 million contract before James agreed to pay cut so that the Lakers would fall under the second apron. The pay cut by James will allow the organization to pursue additional top-tier players for the roster heading into the 2024/25 season.
Sharpshooters Spencer Dinwiddie and Gary Trent Jr. would add some much-needed firepower for Lakers
Spencer Dinwiddie and Gary Trent Jr. are both talented veterans with plenty to offer. The Lakers' offense has been in need of shooters and both players are offensive threats that could start or come off the bench.
Dinwiddie, 31, has bounced around the league but has plenty of experience appearing in 542 total NBA games. He has previously played for the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and LA Lakers.
Gary Trent Jr., 25, is considered a top shooter and can offer a threat from the three-point line. After playing under Coach Krzyzewski at Duke University, he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft.
Over the last few seasons, he has been a key member of the Toronto Raptors. Last season, he averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and shot nearly 40 percent from the three-point line.
A move for an experienced shooter would go a long way to appease a fanbase that has high expectations after winning 17 championships in their history. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis returning next season, Los Angeles is only a few pieces away from being a competitor in the Western Conference.