One of the Dallas Mavericks’ focusses this offseason was adding guard depth off the bench.

In the playoffs, Dallas had spectacular guard play from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but the play of their guards off the bench wasn’t up to par. While Jaden Hardy had some great moments, the play of Dante Exum was disappointing.

Neither guard was able to carry consistency into the playoffs, and the Mavs addressed this issue by signing Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year deal. Dinwiddie was clearly the frontrunner for Dallas’ final roster spot, and now the Mavs land a solidified backup point guard.

Last season for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, Dinwiddie averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 39.2 percent from the field.

It wasn’t the most efficient season for Dinwiddie, but his role with the Lakers was much different than it was with the Nets. Dinwiddie was turned into a 3-and-D guard and didn’t have the ball in his hands much.

He also didn’t start, and that was a major change from the few previous seasons he spent in Brooklyn and Dallas. While all eyes are on the Mavericks for making this underrated move for Dinwiddie, there have also been some eyes on the Lakers too as Dallas schooled them once again.

3. Dinwiddie spurns Lakers for Mavericks

Last season, the Mavs showed interest in Dinwiddie during the middle of the season as he was a free agent after getting bought out. Despite Dallas’ interest, Dinwiddie signed with the Lakers.

This move upset Mavs fans at the time, but Dallas pulled the ultimate reverse card this summer as they beat out the Lakers to sign Dinwiddie. The Lakers were interested in bringing him back, but he ultimately elected to sign with Dallas.

This was big news for the Mavs, as they beat out the Lakers for a free agent that they both had their eyes on. While this wouldn’t have been the case a few years ago, Dallas is finally turning into a hot destination for free agents.

Players want to come to Dallas as the organization provides them with a winning culture and a new family, but Dinwiddie signing with the Mavs wasn’t the first time that Dallas has schooled the Lakers in free agency.

It’s also happened two other times recently, and all three of these moves will shape Dallas’ identity next season.