Lakers Rumors: Hottest Trade and Free-Agent Buzz on Dwyane Wade and More

After selecting guard D'Angelo Russell with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers are ready to usher in a new era through trades and free agency.

L.A. has some money to spend, and its roster is also a blank slate of sorts, with only veteran Kobe Bryant, young forward Julius Randle and Russell looking like sure things to receive significant playing time. A lot of work needs to be done in order for the Lakers to become competitive in the Western Conference again, but they have an opportunity to improve rapidly.

With the offseason now in full swing, here is a rundown of the latest trade and free-agent rumors surrounding the Lakers.

 

Dwyane Wade



Future Hall of Fame shooting guard Dwyane Wade has spent his entire career as a member of the Miami Heat, but after the veteran's decision to opt out of his contract, there is a chance that he could don different colors for the first time next season.

While a return to Miami seems to be the likeliest result due to D-Wade's long and storied history with the franchise, it is far from a guarantee. Teams will undoubtedly attempt to sway the 33-year-old star in their direction, and the Lakers are among them, according to ESPN.com's Chris Broussard.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated claimed that Wade has reciprocated L.A.'s interest.

Wade would be an interesting fit in Los Angeles considering what the Lakers already have on their roster. With Bryant, Russell and returning guard Jordan Clarkson likely to eat up most of the backcourt minutes, it is unclear what type of role Wade would play.

ESPN SportsNation's Max Kellerman doesn't see the logic in Wade's signing with L.A.:



Wade and Kobe would make for an intriguing combo to say the least, and their collective winning experience could be hugely positive for young players such as Russell, Randle, ...

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