Dion Waiters knows the implications of joining the Los Angeles Lakers, but he needs to do his part. He has yet to play a game wearing the purple and gold, but it appears that he needs more time to study and get acquainted with Frank Vogel's system. Also, he needs to whip himself to shape so that he can perform according to expectations. The short pause in his career has not dampened his spirits.
According to the OC Register, Waiters is trying to get acquainted with the Lakers' system. He is in an adjustment period with the team, who is likewise trying to figure out how to use him. Throughout his career, Waiters has shown that he can be relied upon when it comes to outside shooting. Hence, his immediate role is to do just that and take shots off the dribble.
Beyond that, everything is fine for Waiters. Everything is reportedly going smooth, and the 28-year-old should be seeing his first taste of action with the Lakers pretty soon.
“I could easily just come in here and be myself. I don’t have to be nobody I’m not. So they opened the doors for me and welcomed me in with open arms, so it’s been smooth. It’s been really, really good,” Waiters said.
It has been a rough year for Waiters, who served three suspensions with the Miami Heat. Most of it was due to off-court problems, a reason why he was expected to be shipped out at one point. That did happen when he was part of a three-team trade and ended up with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After getting waived, he worked out for the Lakers along with J.R. Smith. Waiters were chosen over Smith, and now he will be looking to prove himself worthy of that choice.
Waiters played only three games this season with the Miami Heat, averaging just 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and an assist. However, his shooting percentages are what made him an interesting choice. Waiters owns a 41.2 percent shooting clip from the field and 34.8 percent from downtown. With LeBron James expected to be the team's playmaker, Waiters would be an option when it comes to passing out to players who can sink it from the perimeter.
The Lakers are leading the Western Conference with a 49-13 win-loss record. There is no telling if Waiters will play soon. Conditioning is needed, especially in the playoffs. But based on what the fourth overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft is revealing, it appears he has found a comfortable new home in Hollywood.
