Lakers sign David Nwaba to a two-year deal

Lakers guard David Nwaba (10), left, tries to drive past the Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) during a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 19, 2017. (Photo by Kyusung Gong/Orange County Register/SCNG)

With the Lakers eager to collect as much data for evaluation purposes, they considered it more valuable to retain undrafted guard David Nwaba than to sign another player to a 10-day contract.

The Lakers signed Nwaba on Tuesday to a two-year deal, including a team option for the 2017-18 season, according to a league source familiar with the terms. While Nwaba is guaranteed to be with the Lakers for their remaining 12 games of the 2016-17 season, the second year of his deal is non-guaranteed.

“We have been impressed by David’s focus and determination, especially on defense,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement released by the Lakers. “He has a mentality about him that is infectious, and he works hard every day to improve himself. He has brought energy to both our Lakers and D-Fenders games, and has certainly earned his spot on the roster.”

Nwaba, who starred at University High of Los Angeles and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, averaged 3.6 points and 2 rebounds while shooting 48.1 percent in 14.4 minutes through 10 games (eight as a reserve and two as a starter) during two 10-day contracts. He previously played with the Lakers’ Development League affiliate, the D-Fenders, where he averaged 14.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in 29.0 minutes per game.


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