The Los Angeles Lakers missed on Dean Wade, despite rumored interest, to make a bad day even worse. Shams Charania reported Wade will sign a four-year contract worth $39 million with the Philadelphia 76ers. Under $10 million annually for a player several teams were interested in because of his shooting and versatility seems like great value. Instead, LA was watching on the sidelines on the same day that LeBron James said he was leaving the Lakers.
The purple and gold have cap space and promised Luka Doncic significant upgrades this summer. So far, they have signed nobody. LeBron leaves a massive hole to fill, and the Lakers also lost Luke Kennard to the rival Suns. The state of the roster is depressing for LA fans, and watching known targets come off the board makes it hurt even worse.
Wade is 6’9 and a plus shooter. He would have fit perfectly next to Luka and Austin Reaves. The Cavs used him as a point-of-attack defender in spots during the playoffs. Lakers fans heard the rumors and got a bit excited, but it was quickly dashed on the first day of free agency as Wade landed in Philly.
Lakers’ day one of free agency has been a bust
Wade averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 22.3 minutes per game last season for the Cavaliers. He shot 36.2 percent from 3-point range and produced a well above league average 0.114 win shares per 48 minutes. This would have been a solid add. The 29-year-old is in the middle of his prime and could have made an impact on both ends of the floor.
Instead, Lakers fans are mourning LeBron’s departure and clinging to rumors. That is a rough place to be with a prime superstar on the roster that the front office promised upgrades to. Luka led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024. He wants to win a championship right now. The Lakers don’t have the roster to get him there and keep missing out on ideal targets.
Rob Pelinka is chasing restricted free agents in hopes of getting a young marquee talent. Walker Kessler is the top target, but the Jazz have the right to match any offer. If LA whiffs on Kessler, this offseason could turn ugly for the Lakers.
The Lakers lost LeBron and Kennard. They still need to sort out the futures of Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes, along with upgrading their roster. So far, it is two key rotation pieces out and none coming back. Fans should be frustrated, especially after watching a known target like Dean Wade come off the board.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to make a splash. They re-signed Austin Reaves to be Luka’s co-star, but upgrades are a must. They won’t be adding Wade, and the pressure is mounting for the front office. Rob Pelinka must pull off something significant, and the time is now. There are still options, but the faith is slowly dwindling. Stay tuned to see if the Lakers can right the ship.
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