LeBron James isn’t rushing to return to the court as he deals with a nerve injury. Reports state that he is being ‘patient’ and aiming for a comeback in November. In his absence, the Los Angeles Lakers are missing out on an average of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Following a rough offseason, fans are increasingly anxious as the team has lost four out of its first five games, calling for urgent reinforcements. The Lakers require some depth, and the fan base is urging management to pursue Spencer Dinwiddie, who has recently become available.

The Charlotte Hornets have waived guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who has played 621 games in his career, posting averages of 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 27.7 minutes per game. Last season, Dinwiddie averaged 11.0 points and 6.2 assists in 30 games for the Dallas Mavericks; however, his performance improved significantly when he started, averaging 14.3 points and 6.2 assists in 30 starting games.

The Hornets needed to reduce their guaranteed salary before the season opener to finalize their roster. With Collin Sexton and Tre Mann impressing during training camp, and Mann recovering from a hip injury, Dinwiddie quickly became the odd man out in Charlotte’s final roster decisions. Given that he is currently one of the top guards on the market, Lakers fans are eager for their front office to sign him.

Lakers Fans Campaign To Sign Spencer Dinwiddie

“Welcome to LA,” Wrote a fan. The Lakers are struggling to find a proper lineup without LeBron. Even Luka Doncic has only played 1 preseason game so far, resting up after a hectic Euro Basket. “It is unclear what the starting lineup is going to be. That’s the reality.” Coach JJ Redick said. In this chaos, Spencer might provide them with some stability from the bench.

“Charlotte doing Spencer dirty. He’s a solid role player. Lakers reunion?” a fan wondered. Well, the Hornetts are focused on growing their young core, but veterans are always needed to guide the younglings. Charlotte is taking the youthful approach, depending on LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel to turn things around. We will see how that will work out. Another fan suggested Spencer go back to the Lakers. “Go back to the @Lakers. They should know how to use you.” He wrote. 

Spencer only played for the Lakers for half a season in 2023-24. Arriving as a midseason signing to add depth, he scored 6.8 points and 2.4 assists per game in his 24.2 minutes per game, which included 4 starts in 28 games. However, he played under Darvin Ham at the time, and Redick arrived a year later. So he will still need to adapt to Redick, but his familiarity with the Lakers makes him a useful steal. According to this fan, Spencer will also help the Lakers stretch the floor better. 

“@lakers pick him up asap we need shooterssssss” he wrote. In LeBron James, they have lost a capable outside shooter who shot 37.6 from the three. Their other shooters include Doncic (37.9% for the Lakers last season) and Austin Reaves (37.7% last season). Spencer is a 33.3% shooter, attempting 4.7 per game. That is decent enough for a backup on this Lakers side.  He also adds offensive versatility, especially as a playmaker. Gabe Vincent showed some promising signs in the preseason, but Spencer Dinwiddie’s overall numbers for a Doncic backup read better. Vincent averages 7.2 points and 2.0 assists over 21.0 minutes per game.