Lakers waive Jose Calderon, sign David Nwaba

The Lakers have made a move, filling the roster spot of Jose Calderon.

Per Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports, the team didn’t waste any time and filling in the position, signing LA D-Fenders point guard David Nwaba to a 10-day contract.

As Harrison Faigen of SB Nation reports, Nwaba is a Los Angeles native who attended University High School and Santa Monica College before transferring to Cal Poly San Louis Obispo. Like any good Angelino, Nwaba grew up watching Kobe Bryant whom he credits for inspiring him to take up the sport.

In his first year with the D-Fenders (who will change their name to the South Bay Lakers at the end of the season) Nwaba has averaged 13.9 points 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.

https://twitter.com/DFenders/status/823231029544554497

But at 6’4” with a near-seven foot wingspan, it is Nwaba’s defensive play that surely caught coach Luke Walton’s eye.

With D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Nick Young unabashed at tossing up the three-pointers, having a point guard who is known for his defensive prowess, and hopefully put pressure the perimeter players is a much needed layer to this young Lakers lineup.

It all begins with the defense and the Lakers have certainly struggled in that area this season. They rank 27th in the league and have given up an average of 110 per game. Laker opponents are shooting 41.5% against them – the third the highest percentage in the NBA.

While Nwaba is best know for his defensive, he can score too, averaging 13.9 points per game with the D-Fenders.

Fans should get a look at Nwaba and how he can contribute to the team tonight when they take on the Charlotte Hornets at the Staples Center.

Nwaba is young, solid on defense, and is most likely eager to prove himself at the next level. Seems like a strong combination to me, which makes his acquisition a smart move by the Lakers.

Next: Spurs take care of the Lakers

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