Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton was set to make some changes in the team's starting lineup on Sunday. Recent signing David Nwaba profited from the decision, as he made his career-first NBA star against the Philadelphia 76ers during the weekend. Nwaba is currently on his second 10-day contract with the L.A. team and coach Walton wanted to do some testing of the 24-year-old. He came to the Lakers from the Los Angeles D-Fenders -- an NBA D-League team.
Nwaba had a solid performance against the 76ers, putting up six points, a rebound, and a block in 16 minutes of action.
It certainly wasn't the best ever starting five debut in the NBA, but a solid one though. In his previous matches for the Lakers, Nwaba was coming off the bench.
Nwaba kept his cool when he got to know that he was starting
''I just have to be ready. That's a great opportunity and I just tried to showcase my skills on the court while in there,'' David Nwaba told reporters post-match, in an interview which can be found on the Lakers Nation YouTube channel. ''I was grateful for the opportunity. No nerves, same thing, I've been here before -- so I think I'm used to it now.''
There was a praise for Ivica Zubac
David Nwaba and Ivica Zubac have played together even before Nwaba did sign with the team.
The two players shared the same side of the court for the Los Angeles D-Fenders, and started for the Lakers against the 76ers. Currently on the season, center Zubac has been averaging 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the LakeShow. ''He works hard...yeah, he's great at what he does -- rebounding, scoring -- so I enjoy playing with him,'' Nwaba said of Zubac.
Zubac wasn't the only Laker player to receive a praise
David Nwaba had the chance to play alongside point guard D'Angelo Russell in the starting five on Sunday. Russell is a promising player, who has put up 15.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game on the season. ''He's okay,'' Nwaba said jokingly of Russell. ''He's a great point guard, just great at what he does, finding open players and scoring the basketball.''
