June 28, 2026, 9:46 p.m. PT<\/p>\n
One of the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>‘ 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, is the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a>‘ Dean Wade, who is about to become a free agent.<\/p>\n “Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is expected to have various suitors in free agency, including the Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers<\/a>, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs<\/a>, Phoenix Suns<\/a>, Detroit Pistons<\/a>, and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> who could be sent to Los Angeles in such a deal.<\/p>\n