Luke Walton Plans To Talk To Lakers Brass About David Nwaba’s Future With Team
Lakers News: Luke Walton Believes David Nwaba Deserves Second 10-day Contract
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are moving forward with the youth movement. The two highest-paid players on the team have been shut down, and the coaching staff is experimenting with the roster while auditioning players like David Nwaba.

Nwaba, formerly of the Los Angeles D-Fenders, has played well after getting the call from the Lakers. The Cal Poly product caught the eye of the coaching staff due to his play defensively, and he’s been as advertised during his short stint with the Lakers.

The question now is whether the Lakers brass continues to experiment with players from the D-League or keep moving forward with Nwaba. Although Walton will talk to the general manager Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson about possibly keeping Nwaba on the team, there’s a chance they give another player an opportunity on the NBA level, via Mark Medina of the LA Daily News:

In 10 games with the Lakers, Nwaba averaged 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Nwaba’s stats may not jump off the sheet, but it is his presence on the floor and willingness to play hard-nosed defense every minute he’s on the floor that has impressed the coaching staff.

Nwaba has become the Lakers’ energy guy off the bench earning high praise from Walton and the guard’s teammates on a nightly basis for his effort on the floor. It seems as though Walton may support the idea of keeping Nwaba for the rest of the season but bringing in another guard from the D-Fenders like Vander Blue or Josh Maggette may be the direction the team decides to take.

Nwaba’s second 10-day contract with the team expires on Monday meaning he may have played his last game with the Lakers. Although his NBA journey may take a step back after Monday, the 23-year-old remains in high spirits and motivated, via Shahan Ahmed of NBCLA.com:

“I definitely hope to stick around and just get the NBA experience, but if not, get back to the D-League, keep working hard, keep working on my game and see where that goes,” Nwaba said.

There’s no doubt Nwaba has the right attitude moving forward, and if he maintains that mindset it may not be long before he’s back on the NBA level if the Lakers choose to bring on another player with a 10-day deal.

You May Also Like

Game Recap: Kobe-Less Lakers Fall To Blazers At Staples

  The Los Angeles Lakers headed into their matchup with the Portland…

Lakers News: LeBron James Reacted To Michael Jordan Retiring, Scoring 55 Points At Madison Square Garden & Switching Back To No. 23 During ‘The Last Dance’

As has been the case since it debuted, ESPN’s documentary series “The Last Dance” was on everyone’s mind as…

Doc Rivers On Lakers Young Core: ‘I Like The Way They Play’

Even though there have been some struggles as of late, the general belief from the outside looking in is that the Los Angeles Lakers have a great collection of young talent…

Malik Monk Explains Why He Chose Lakers In Free Agency

At 23 years old and entering his fifth NBA season, Malik Monk was not expected to play on a veteran minimum contract…