Following the decision to release veteran point guard Jose Calderon, the Lakers successfully opened up a roster spot that they could use to try out different players for the rest of the season. It didn’t take long to fill the opening as Luke Walton’s squad signed David Nwaba of the Los Angeles D-Fenders to a 10-day contract.
Nwaba is not a name that is well known to most fans, but he has really turned heads during his time in the D-League especially because of his defense. Walton noted that getting someone like Nwaba is important for the identity of the Lakers according to Shahan Ahmed of NBC LA:
"I think it's important we get defensive minded people in here," Luke Walton said re David Nwaba. Luke said team trying to build D identity.
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) February 28, 2017
For Nwaba, a Los Angeles native, this call-up is like a dream come true via Ahmed:
"It's pretty crazy growing up a Laker fan, just dreaming about this day." – Nwaba is an LA local & grew up a Kobe Bryant fan…
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) February 28, 2017
The Lakers have been a terrible defensive team this year, and one of the main reasons why is a lack of a true perimeter stopper. Jordan Clarkson has been talked about as someone who has the potential to become that, as has rookie Brandon Ingram, but neither are close to that level right now.
Nwaba understands that the defensive end is his calling card. In 29 games in the D-League, Nwaba has averaged 13.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. Over the last 10 contests, those averages have risen to 21.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks. The rebounds and blocks are especially impressive considering he is only 6’4″.
Walton is looking to build a defensive identity for the Lakers as the team will never be successful if they can’t get stops. Nwaba fits that bill and will now get the chance to prove he can handle an NBA workload.
