The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for another interesting offseason with plenty of changes expected to come. Question marks are found up and down the lineup, with a starting-caliber center and shooters at the forefront of holes to fill. However, another area for improvement is depth on the wing in general.
In a recent report for HoopsHype, NBA insider Michael Scotto points out that the Lakers are among several teams expected to line up for pending unrestricted free agent Dean Wade.
It is not too difficult to understand why the 6-foot-9 forward is generating interest from multiple teams this offseason. He has established himself as a versatile defender with burgeoning offensive output. Wade is also a 36% three-point shooter. For a Lakers team that ranked 14th in three-point shooting percentage in the league last season (.353), he would be an excellent addition for the Lakers.
But landing him will not come easy, as Scotto mentioned the Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers as other teams also interested in landing him.
Scotto also reported that the 29-year-old was linked to teams like the Houston Rockets at the trade deadline, but no moves were made. Now it’s up to the Lakers to pull the trigger on the UFA forward.
In 59 games this year with the Cavs, Wade averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 36.2% from deep. He has been a consistent shooter, which the Lakers could definitely use.
Why the Lakers Might Make the Most Sense for Dean Wade
Dean Wade has quietly developed into one of the NBA’s most dependable role players since joining the Cleveland Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. While his defensive versatility has long been his calling card, his offensive game has taken significant strides over the past three seasons.
The Lakers, who have plenty of decisions to make on their end, are looking to improve on all facets. Whether it be a big-name center or depth up front, they can afford to spend some money on intriguing free agents like Wade.
Given the Lakers’ lack of a true versatile forward who can also shoot the three well at this point, it’s not surprising that Rob Pelinka would jump on the opportunity to acquire Wade. He also comes relatively cheap. In the 2025-26 season, he earned a base salary of $6.6 million as he completed a 3-year, $18.5 million contract extension with the Cavs.
With a potential $52 million in cap room according to Spotrac.com, add Wade to the list of free agents the Lakers can be expected to pursue this offseason.
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