Golden State Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Previously linked ‘realistic target’ for Lakers officially set to hit free agency

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Jun 27, 2023 11:17 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to have a busy stretch ahead with NBA free agency getting underway and questions across the entirety of their roster. The first question facing the Lakers is how they'll approach filling out the depth of their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, along with specifics like the point guard position, D'Angelo Russell, and numerous other lingering topics.

While it's unknown specifically what Rob Pelinka and company will target immediately, one major positive down the stretch of last season was the impact of the first players off the bench. Interestingly, one name The Athletic's Jovan Buha previously linked as a realistic target for the Lakers just weeks ago was Golden State Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo, which is what makes Tuesday's news on the 26-year-old even more noteworthy.

As ESPN's Kendra Andrews reported, DiVincenzo opted not to pick up his $4.7 million player option for next season.

Donte DiVincenzo is not picking up his $4.7 million player option with the Warriors and will enter unrestricted free agency, source tells ESPN.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) June 27, 2023

While DiVincenzo is an intriguing fit with the Lakers, he also has a history with head coach Darvin Ham. The current Lakers coach was with the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach from the 2018-19 season to 2021-22, while DiVincenzo began his NBA career with the Bucks in 2018-19 and played there into the 2021-22 season as well.

The best statistical season of DiVincenzo's NBA career came with Ham as an assistant. He averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 2020-21 while posting his third-highest overall shooting percentage at 42 percent. One additional stat that could move the needle is that DiVincenzo shot 37.9 percent from three-point range, the second-highest mark of his career.

There are a number of intriguing fits for the Lakers in free agency this offseason, but there's no denying the former Bucks/Warriors guard could make for a solid addition to the second unit.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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