Dion Waiters seems to have more appreciation for the veteran leadership of LeBron James as he prepares for his first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Waiters admitted he was “stubborn” when he and James played together with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2014-15 season. However, the new Lakers guard said he has since learned not to take anything for granted.
Dion Waiters on the difference between playing with LeBron James when he was 22 years old on the Cavaliers to playing with him now on the Lakers: pic.twitter.com/EY6TUMlEEp
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 25, 2020
The former No. 4 overall pick showed very little indication he matured at all with a series of incidents at the beginning of the year. Dion Waiters criticized the Miami Heat management, and he was also suspended after taking a gummy laced with THC during a team flight.
Still, the Heat stuck with Waiters… for a time. The 28-year-old played in three games for Miami prior to his inclusion in the trade that netted the Heat Andre Iguodala. Waiters was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies shortly thereafter.
But Dion's season is far from over. The Lakers signed Waiters in March, though he was just getting set to make his season debut when the league suspended play a week later.
However, the Lakers might need Waiters to soak up valuable minutes, especially considering the Purple and Gold will be without Avery Bradley.
It goes without saying Waiters' behavior in Miami will almost certainly not be tolerated by a motivated LeBron James, who has an excellent chance to win his fourth NBA title.
The Lakers need added floor-spacing and scoring off the bench, and Waiters is hoping to make an impact for a winner. They seem to suit each other well.
In any case, Waiters seems to be appreciating the opportunity he has, both to play with the Lakers as well as to reunite with LeBron.
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