The Lakers are currently 18th in rebounds per game (43.5) and 24th in three-point percentage (35.1%)—two aspects of what’s plagued them to a 17-19 record. While there are multiple ways to address those woes, they’ve taken a small step towards developing someone who can help them in the near future.
The purple and gold signed former first-round pick Dylan Windler to a two-way contract, one day after he broke the G League record with 33 rebounds for the Westchester Knicks.
G League G/F Dylan Windler has agreed on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. Windler had a 23-point, 33-rebound performance on Friday for the Knicks’ Westchester affiliate. pic.twitter.com/JXWAsnJ212
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 6, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers will waive Alex Fudge in order to sign Dylan Windler to a two-way contract, sources told ESPN. As @wojespn first reported, LAL is bringing in the 6-6 wing who has shot 37.8% from 3 in his G League career.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 6, 2024
Lakers Sign G-League Record Breaker to Two-Way Contract
Background
Windler, a 27-year-old wing from Belmont College, entered the NBA as the 26th pick by the Cavaliers in 2020. In 31 games for Cleveland, he averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds on .438/.338/.778 splits. His next few seasons saw his role decrease with the Cavs while spending more time with their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. Windler quickly embraced his role with the Charge, averaging 15.3 points on 39% shooting from deep in the 2021-22 season. He followed that up with a career-best 40% from three and averages of 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 11 games last year.
Over the summer, Windler had signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks and had his deal converted to a standard one in October. However, the Knicks waived Windler on Dec. 13, forcing him to spend time with their affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. Windler quickly continued his reputation as a reliable shooter and rebounder there. He certainly lived up to the hype last night, recording the aforementioned 23 points and 33 rebounds in a loss to the Capital City Go-Go, 128-121.
What Dylan Windler Brings to the Table
Though he may not get rotation opportunities at first glance, Windler provides a unique blend of scoring and rebounding for the Lakers. He went 5/5 from three for 15 points against the Hawks as a rookie, and has had impressive performances in the G League since then. His ability to crash the boards goes back to his days at Belmont, where he ended his senior year with an average of 10.8 per game. After his historic performance last night, Windler’s rebounding average this season soared to 14.3.
Windler is also able to be disruptive on the defensive end, thanks in part to his 6-foot-10 wingspan that complements his 6-foot-6 frame. He averaged one steal per game in the G League—tallying 26 over his four seasons there.
Early on, the young forward will have a chance to grow his skills with the South Bay Lakers. However, he could very well move up to the big club, given the Lakers’ mediocre bench play and the team’s overall struggles. Adding a fresh, young player to the mix will do some good for a team that’s looked lethargic and out of place recently. Incorporating Windler into the Lakers’ style of play shouldn’t be a problem, since he has attributes that the team clearly values already.
