Lakers Veteran Spencer Dinwiddie Leaves Basketball Bundesliga to Return to NBA

The 29-year-old guard previously played for the Lakers in the 2023-24 season.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 6:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Spencer Dinwiddie, a 29-year-old guard who previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023-24 season, has left his recent stint with FC Bayern Munich of the Basketball Bundesliga in Germany and requested to be released from his contract. Dinwiddie, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended William Howard Taft High School, was originally drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Why it matters

Dinwiddie's return to the NBA could provide a boost to a Lakers team that has struggled with injuries and roster turnover in recent seasons. As a versatile guard who can score and facilitate, Dinwiddie could be a valuable addition to the Lakers' rotation as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

In 28 games with the Lakers during the 2023-24 season, Dinwiddie averaged 6.8 points, 2.4 assists, and shot 39.7% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range. He was waived by the Toronto Raptors midway through that season, leading to his signing with the Lakers for the remainder of the year. After spending last season with the Dallas Mavericks, Dinwiddie joined FC Bayern Munich in Germany's top professional league earlier this year.

  • Dinwiddie was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft.
  • He played for the Lakers during the 2023-24 season, appearing in 28 games.
  • Dinwiddie was waived by the Toronto Raptors midway through the 2023-24 season.
  • He spent the 2024-25 season with the Dallas Mavericks.
  • Dinwiddie joined FC Bayern Munich in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga earlier this year before requesting his release.

The players

Spencer Dinwiddie

A 29-year-old guard who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended William Howard Taft High School before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft out of the University of Colorado Boulder.

Los Angeles Lakers

An NBA franchise based in Los Angeles, California that Dinwiddie played for during the 2023-24 season.

Denver Nuggets

The NBA team that drafted Dinwiddie in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft.

Toronto Raptors

The NBA team that waived Dinwiddie midway through the 2023-24 season, leading to his signing with the Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks

The NBA team that Dinwiddie played for during the 2024-25 season.

FC Bayern Munich

The German professional basketball team that Dinwiddie played for earlier this year before requesting his release.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Spencer has been a valuable addition to our team and we're excited to have him back in the NBA.”

— Rob Pelinka, Lakers General Manager

What’s next

Dinwiddie is expected to sign with an NBA team in the coming days, with the Lakers reportedly interested in bringing him back.

The takeaway

Dinwiddie's return to the NBA after a brief stint overseas could provide a boost to a Lakers team in need of veteran depth and scoring punch. His versatility and experience make him an intriguing option for a Lakers squad looking to return to the playoffs.