2014 second-round draft Spencer Dinwiddie found himself without a team as the trade deadline closed in. The 30-year-old guard was with the Brooklyn Nets since February 2023 after he was traded by the Dallas Mavericks. This year on February 8th, he was traded to Toronto. However, the Raptors were quick to waive Spencer with less than an hour left before the trade deadline. Without skipping a beat, the Lakers immediately showed interest in acquiring Spencer on the buyout market.

For him, the team holds a special place in his heart, thanks to its forerunner Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba played a huge role in building the franchise’s history, bringing home 5 Championships. So, as Spencer finds his name uttered in the same sentence as the Lakers, we can’t help but remember the one time he broke down crying talking about Kobe. The former MVP had once attended one of Spencer’s games, where he put up an incredible performance.

This prompted Kobe to approach him after the game and say he was “playing like an All-Star.” That was all he needed to hear at that point. Afterward, during the locker room interview, Spencer was still in awe. He revealed that although he had previously exchanged “pleasantries and text messages” with the Mamba, that was the first time Kobe probably looked at him as “the basketball player Spencer.” Unable to hold his tears back, Spencer said between sobs, “For him to tell me that in his book I’m an All-Star…for him to say that, I didn’t need to be selected anymore, because I was an All-Star.”

It was on the night of 19th December 2019. Spencer, who was then playing for the Nets, was giving it his all during a game against the Hawks. Two special guests in attendance that night were Kobe and his daughter Gianna. That night, Spencer pocketed 39 points, six rebounds, and six assists. From there to now at the doorsteps of the ‘home’ that Kobe built, it was all worth it for Spencer.

Spencer Dinwiddie to sign with the Lakers

After Spencer was waived, he was sought after by the Mavs along with the Lakers. However, he expressed his desire to play for Kobe’s team and is set to sign with the Purple and Gold after clearing waivers. This was reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Since the Lakers did not make any moves before the trade deadline, this new addition can prove to be a step in the right direction. They are in dire need of a third ball handler who can run the offense for them, and Spencer could be the perfect fit.

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