Lakers Hint at Potential Return of 3-Guard Lineups with Spencer Dinwiddie

With Spencer Dinwiddie officially joining the Lakers roster, assistant coach Darvin Ham hinted at the possibility of reintroducing 3-guard lineups, potentially featuring Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell alongside Dinwiddie.

The Lakers opted not to make any trades at the deadline, with General Manager Rob Pelinka highlighting the need for a ball-handling guard. In response, the team secured Dinwiddie’s services via the buyout market, completing their roster as they enter the final stretch of games for the 2023-2024 campaign.

Following Monday’s practice session, Darvin Ham discussed the versatility Dinwiddie brings and hinted at the prospect of him playing alongside Russell and Reaves in the backcourt. Ham emphasized Dinwiddie’s ability to defend larger wings, suggesting that the trio could even close out games together alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Ham’s fondness for 3-guard lineups has become somewhat of a running joke, stemming from their frequent use last season with mixed results. While such lineups have been less prevalent this season due to better options with larger wings, injuries to guards like Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish may have contributed to their reduced usage.

However, with Dinwiddie’s arrival, the potential for offensive firepower with Russell and Reaves sharing the floor is enticing. Yet, questions linger about the lineup’s defensive capabilities, particularly against larger opponents in the Western Conference.

The Lakers’ matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday presents an opportunity to see this potential lineup in action, as Dinwiddie integrates himself into the team dynamics. Whether this experiment proves successful remains to be seen, but the Lakers’ coaching staff seems eager to explore new possibilities as they aim for success in the remainder of the season.