As the free agency window nears, several teams around the league gear up to make some key additions in an attempt to improve their rosters. Among these, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to emerge as one of the major buyers in the market.
For the most part, the Lakers have shown interest in acquiring players who can play alongside Luka Doncic. This has seen them linked with elite perimeter threats and rim-running centers. As the list of names continues to grow, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto shared some interesting insights as he revealed two new frontcourt players who could be on the team’s radar.
When gauging the free agency market for three-point shooting specialists, Scotto mentioned Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade as a potential target for Los Angeles. He wrote:
“Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is expected to have various suitors in free agency, including the Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told HoopsHype.”
A player like Dean Wade is positioned to be an ideal fit in the Lakers’ rotation. As a reliable perimeter threat, especially at his size (6’9″), Wade effectively functions as a floor-spacing forward, serving as an outlet for Doncic in drive-and-kick sets.
In theory, Wade could be a great, low-cost addition for the Purple and Gold. Last season, the 29-year-old swingman earned approximately $6.6 million with the Cavaliers. In 59 appearances (38 starts), he averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.
Although his stats may not leap off the page, Wade proved himself to be an asset in the Cavaliers’ rotation. As a motion shooter with versatile defensive abilities, he has the tools to be a high-value addition to the Lakers’ bench.
For the L.A., signing Wade shouldn’t be as much of a challenge. Given Cleveland’s salary cap crunch, the Purple and Gold can easily match an offer to pry Wade away. Realistically, a contract worth more than $10 million annually may be excessive. But factoring in the interest from other teams, Los Angeles may find itself in a bidding war.
Apart from shooters, the Lakers have also been actively searching for centers to strengthen their big man rotation. With the center market drying up, the Purple and Gold have been forced to expand their search. On that note, Scotto mentioned Jock Landale as a potential target this summer.
“Landale, 30, is expected to have a strong market, including interest from the Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources told HoopsHype. Expect the Australian center to command offers north of the bi-annual exception in free agency.”
Landale could be an interesting pickup for Los Angeles if they choose to pursue him this summer. After a solid showing for the Memphis Grizzlies (45 games), Landale was traded to the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline, after which he was promptly waived and later acquired by the Atlanta Hawks (23 games).
At 6’11”, Jock Landale positions himself as a solid rotation center. While he isn’t the most reliable defensive presence, Landale makes up for it with his physicality. Having asserted himself as a great pick-and-roll big man with a more traditional offensive approach, the 30-year-old possesses the skill set to be a great fit alongside Doncic.
In 68 appearances last season, Landale averaged 10.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range. Although some of these stats may seem inflated, Landale’s production and efficiency should not be overlooked.
Given that he was picked up off waivers on a minimum deal of $2.3 million by the Hawks last season, signing him to a new contract should not be a problem for the Lakers. However, given that several teams have shown interest in him, the Purple and Gold may have to present a more lucrative offer.
In this regard, Scotto notes that he could command more than the bi-annual exception ($5.5 million) this summer. In light of the Purple and Gold’s need for a reliable center, offering him a larger contract, potentially ranging from $7-$8 million annually, would seem worthwhile.
Thus far, the Lakers have played their cards very close to their chest when it comes to making new signings in the offseason. While this could hint at something larger brewing, strengthening the bench will prove equally vital this offseason.
