How Would Dwyane Wade Really Fit With The Lakers?
Grumblings of Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade having an interest in the Los Angeles Lakers have undoubtedly surfaced as we approach the beginning of the NBA’s 2015 free-agency period.
While Wade is expected to remain with the Heat — the team he has played for throughout his 12-year NBA career — but speculation that he might seek a new home courtesy of a rift in contract negotiation between him and Miami.
Whether the Sports Illustrated reports on Wade and the Lakers having a mutual interest in one-another is true or not, the very idea should be explored regardless.
The 33 year-old Wade averaged 21.5 points per-game last season on 47-percent shooting from the field.
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His efficiency alone would help a Los Angeles team that shot 43.5-percent as a unit last season which was 25th in the league.
Coupled with the tough defense Wade provides on the perimeter, he would undoubtedly add some wins for LA next season should he come to town.
The always looming injury bug has plagued Wade for the past few seasons though.
He hasn’t played above 70 games in a single season since the 2010-2011 year and given his advancing age, that number likely won’t change save for a reduced role — one Wade is all-too talented to play.
Much like his off-season plans, Wade’s priorities have become increasingly unclear lately.
If winning and winning now is at Wade’s forefront, then the Lakers are not the destination for him.
The latest edition of the Lakers was all but designed to lose.
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That being said, next season’s squad will likely look a lot better with a yet to be determined number two overall draft pick likely coming to town as well as the likes of Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle coming off of injuries.
This is still no championship contender though. Not even close to being one. The foundation is there, the future potential is there, but Wade doesn’t have the time to wait.
Another hitch in Wade’s hypothetical road to LA is his fit next to Kobe Bryant and the other talent on the roster.
Two aging, ball-dominant superstar wings isn’t an ideal fit.
Both players are seasoned professionals though and could surely work out the needed adjustments for them to be successful.
A more pressing concern is Jordan Clarkson who — with or without Wade — will have to learn to facilitate a structured offense over the course of next season if he’s to be in an NBA uniform for a long time.
With the injuries and overall meager talent level he was playing alongside last season, Clarkson was able to get away with running a fast, hectic offensive rhythm. One that often ended with him finishing at the rim or firing a self-created jump-shot.
Shot creation is a good skill for a young player like Clarkson to develop, but with Bryant back in the lineup and the franchise gunning for some kind of success next season, that style simply won’t be enough most of the time.
Setting aside the fact that Wade to LA is a pipe-dream and his fit is questionable, this move would be a lot of fun for all.
For Wade, there may not be any championships to be won immediately, but there’s definitely money to be made.
Can you imagine the endorsement-induced hype behind a team featuring both Wade and Bryant?
Yeah. Crazy.
The army of Lakers fans — both within LA and without — would make sure no retailer regrets ordering Lakers jerseys donning Wade’s name.
Bottom Line: Bryant could be Wade’s biggest hurdle if he came to the Lakers
In addition, a general feeling of excitement — not for the future, but for the product on the court right now — would once again envelop the NBA’s flagship franchise.
In short: if Dwyane Wade ends up in a Lakers jersey next season, the fans would be able to sit back, relax, and watch the next in a long line of basketball masters clad in the purple and gold go to work for their team.