5:04pm: The Lakers have officially re-signed Nwaba, the team announced today in a press release.
“We have been impressed by David’s focus and determination, especially on defense,” GM Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “He has a mentality about him that is infectious, and he works hard every day to improve himself. He has brought energy to both our Lakers and D-Fenders games, and has certainly earned his spot on the roster.”
4:19pm: David Nwaba‘s second 10-day contract with the Lakers expired overnight, but the rookie guard won’t have to look for a new NBA home. According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, the Lakers and Nwaba are finalizing a new two-year contract, which will include a team option for 2017/18.
Nwaba, who had been a key contributor for the Lakers’ NBADL affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, got a call-up to the NBA after the trade deadline. In 10 games with the Lakers so far, the 24-year-old has averaged 3.6 PPG and 2.0 RPG, shooting 48.1% from the floor and contributing solid defense and energy off the bench.
Before he was initially signed by the Lakers, Nwaba was averaging 13.9 PPG and 7.0 RPG in the D-League, and had earned rave reviews for his defense. D-Fenders head coach Coby Karl called the 6’4″ guard “probably the best defender in our league” back in December.
Once Nwaba officially signs his new contract with the Lakers, the team will have 15 players on guaranteed contracts for 2016/17, leaving no open roster spots.
I don’t mind this. He brings much needed energy and defense and could be a 15-20 min player in this league. If he wants to start, he has to really really really improve his ft shooting and outside game.
if he improve his shot and maybe become a decent 3 point shooter. maybe he could be a tayshaun prince type player
Poor man’s Tony Allen