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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Luke Walton Speaks On What David Nwaba Will Bring To Lakers
Lakers News

Luke Walton Speaks On What David Nwaba Will Bring To Lakers

Corey Hansford
Published: 02/28/2017
3 Min Read
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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.

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TAGGED:David NwabaLos Angeles LakersLuke Walton
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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