Los Angeles Lakers fans may have to wait a bit longer to see Dion Waiters in action. The former Miami Heat guard has played in just three games this season for a variety of reasons and the team is taking it slow in incorporating their newest signing to the rotation.
In fact, Waiters may be suiting up for their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers before setting foot on an NBA court as a Laker, according to the LA Times’ Brad Turner:
Sources: Lakers guard Dion Waiters going to play for South Bay Lakers Friday against Agua Caliente Clippers in El Segundo.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) March 12, 2020
Waiters is clearly still working himself into game shape and the high speed tempo of the G-League will be a great test to see if his body is ready to handle an NBA workload.
Still, it’s extremely rare to see an NBA veteran practice in the G-League, much less play in an actual game. Vets actually have the right to veto a G-League assignment. But Waiters is having to prove himself to the Lakers both from a fitness and an attitude standpoint. He was suspended three times by the Heat this season.
Without reading too much into it, this is a pretty great sign for the Lakers. Waiters is falling in line and willing to do a lot to prove he can contribute. He may never play heavy minutes for the Lakers but being in the framework of the team’s culture will ensure that he’ll be ready when called upon.