The Los Angeles Lakers were among several teams that made an aggressive bid for forward Dean Wade before he agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $39 million contract, league sources told HoopsHype.
Reporter Michael Scotto noted that Wade’s agreement includes a partial guarantee in the fourth season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons also expressed “significant interest” in the 27-year-old, according to the report.
Lakers targeting shooting help
Los Angeles has been searching for perimeter shooting after LeBron James informed the franchise he will play elsewhere next season. The front office has already met with restricted free agents Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren, and is expected to add Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes in the coming days.
Wade, who spent last season with Cleveland, averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds while hitting 36.2 percent from three-point range in 22.3 minutes over 59 games. He started 14 of the Cavaliers’ 18 playoff contests, helping the club reach the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the eventual champion New York Knicks.
Implications for Philadelphia and L.A.
Philadelphia’s move to secure Wade could signal the end of Kelly Oubre Jr.’s tenure with the 76ers. Oubre, an unrestricted free agent, has multiple meetings scheduled, including one with the Lakers.
Lakers’ current cap outlook
The Lakers opened free agency without a signing but previously locked in guard Austin Reaves on a four-year, $185 million maximum extension. Center Deandre Ayton picked up his $8.1 million player option for 2026-27.
Departures include Marcus Smart (Houston Rockets) and Luke Kennard (Phoenix Suns), while Maxi Kleber is expected to return to Europe. Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes remain unrestricted free agents. Following those moves, Los Angeles still holds roughly $52 million in salary-cap space and a $9.4 million midlevel exception for additional roster upgrades.
Source: Lakers Nation
