One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest roster needs this offseason is at least one two-way wing or guard. After trading for the rights to Cameron Carr, a 6-foot-5 guard taken with the No. 24 pick in this year’s NBA draft, they may have one such player for their backcourt. But they need more athleticism, defense and 3-point shooting in their frontcourt in order to become championship contenders.
Since the Lakers seem very focused on making some sort of substantial upgrade at the center position, they may end up having little optionality as far as obtaining a two-way wing or forward. One such player they’re reportedly interested in, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, is the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dean Wade, who is about to become a free agent.
“Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is expected to have various suitors in free agency, including the Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.
Wade, who is 6-foot-9 and 228 pounds and primarily plays the power forward position, averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22.3 minutes a game and shot 36.2% from 3-point range this season. The 29-year-old went undrafted in 2019 out of Kansas State University but has made a decent NBA career for himself since.
Of course, there is the possibility that LeBron James decides to return to the Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade deal. If that happens, Wade could be on the list of players who could be sent to Los Angeles in such a deal.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers are reportedly interested in the Cavaliers’ Dean Wade
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
