Los Angeles Lakers sign defensive ace David Nwaba to 10-day contract

The Los Angeles Lakers (19-41) have signed guard David Nwaba to a 10-day contract, according to several reports. The L.A. native was playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Purple & Gold's affiliate in the NBA's Development League (D-League).

According to Shams Charania of the Vertical, the Lakers and Nwaba came to terms on a deal on Monday. Nwaba, in his first year with the D-Fenders, was averaging a tally of 13.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting an impressive 64.5 percent from the field.

The athletic wing, who stands at 6'4, has been dubbed "Mr. Dunk" by announcer Eric Rothman due to his 6’11.5 wingspan and ability to finish above the rim against taller defenders. Moreover, the D-Fenders are better by 17 points per 100 possessions when Nwaba is on the floor this season. Rothman calls games for the D-Fenders on Time Warner Cable SportsNet.

David Nwaba: Best wing defender in the D-League?

In December, Coby Karl, the coach of the D-Fenders, told Silver Screen and Roll that the 24-year-old forward/guard was arguably the best perimeter defender in the D-League. "David Nwaba is probably the best defender in our league, I think he's shown that over the last nine games. Defensively he really puts up a stand against guys. He's just showing that he belongs," Coby, the son of legendary NBA coach George Karl, said of Nwaba.

The decision to call up Nwaba shouldn't come as a surprise. Earlier this season, D-Fenders GM Nick Mazzella predicted a Lakers call-up for Nwaba. “We had a lot of talent and some very tough decisions to make, but he (Nwaba) showed a ton of energy and he's super athletic. He uses that wingspan to his advantage, he gets his hands in passing lanes, he creates deflections, he's blocking shots, and he can guard and play multiple positions. He's really a guy that really stood out in training camp and eight games in he's been great. He's only a rookie and he’s a guy that can really develop into a call-up candidate by the end of the season."

After trading Lou Williams, the Lakers are expected to give more playing time to the young core comprising of D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Ingram, Larry Nance Jr. and Ivaka Zubac. David Nwaba would look to make the most of his opportunity.