Yes, both historically prolific scorers are in the final stretch of their careers, the point where both Father Time and the injury bug loom as constant threats to their current production. And yes, the two parties would only come together if Plan A options don't pan out.
In a perfect world, the Lakers, who only have $35 million committed to next season's payroll, would use their financial flexibility to acquire younger players who don't have Wade's injury history. And Wade, who holds a $16.1 million player option for 2015-16, wouldn't leave the only NBA home he's ever known.
But free agency is rarely a period of best-case scenarios. For Wade, ominous clouds of uncertainty are already hanging over his potential journey to the open market.
In May, multiple sources told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that "there's a significant difference" in what Wade and the Heat feel he should be paid in the coming seasons. A Wade associate has been telling people that the scoring guard "would welcome" a new deal with an average annual salary of $20 million, per Jackson.
But Miami's initial offer to Wade was believed to be less than $10 million per year, as Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick tweeted.
With that canyon-sized split between them, the thought of a South Beach staple like Wade leaving Miami isn't nearly as outlandish as it may have originally sounded.
The Lakers should be keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
League sources told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated that mutual interest exists between Wade and the Lakers:
Sources also told Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com that the Lakers "would have interest in speaking with [Wade]," though he is re...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
