The Los Angeles Lakers had a decision to make regarding David Nwaba. After his second 10-day contract expired on Monday, the only way the team could keep him would be to sign him for the remainder of the season.
While head coach Luke Walton has constantly praised Nwaba, he had also spoken about potentially taking a look at other players with the roster spot that would be opened up by letting Nwaba return to the D-League.
Walton said that he would talk to the front office about Nwaba’s future with the team and they maed the decision to keep him around. Shams Charania of The Vertical reports that the Lakers are finalizing a two-year deal with Nwaba:
The Los Angeles Lakers and guard David Nwaba are finalizing a two-year deal, league sources tell @TheVertical. Team option for next season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 21, 2017
Nwaba really made an impact on Walton and his Lakers teammates with his defensive intensity and overall energy when on the court. Even though his numbers aren’t great, Nwaba always made a difference and found himself on the floor in key parts of games or during a big comeback the team was making.
The team option for next season also gives the Lakers control over whether they will keep him around moving forward. In all likelihood Nwaba will be suiting up for the Summer League team as well, which will give them more chances to see his development.
Nwaba is a great story, coming from the D-League to earning a contract with the Lakers. With 12 games remaining he will get every opportunity to prove the Lakers made the right choice by keeping him around.
