Dwyane Wade enjoyed a special final season in the NBA. He started a culture of trading jerseys with the opposing teams' current and future stars. He was given a special slot during the All-Star Game. He had a game-winner against the Golden State Warriors. It was a farewell tour for one of the game's greatest shooting guards.
But no matter how magical it was for his fans, it was also underwhelming. His exit didn't have that “happy ending” it deserved. The Miami Heat didn't make the playoffs.
It's not the way it was supposed to end for Dwyane Wade.
But he can still write one final chapter. Yes, yes. I know he just retired. It is highly unlikely that he will come back, but if he's not satisfied with how his career ended, he can consider his options.
Should he re-join the Miami Heat? Definitely not. Miami won't win anything significant next season. If Wade wants to return to the NBA, he should sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Why? There are several reasons. First, the Lakers just became a legitimate title contender after acquiring Anthony Davis. Should they land Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker, it is hard to imagine anyone beating a team of that caliber.
Oh, yeah: They also have one of Wade's closest friends, LeBron James.
So, what can this new-look Lakers team offer Wade? Plenty.
One last championship run
If Wade joins the Lakers, he will have another opportunity to win an NBA championship. There is no doubt that they are the best team in the Western Conference at the moment, especially since the Golden State Warriors will not be at full strength. Even if Kawhi Leonard joins the Los Angeles Clippers this summer, there is absolutely zero chance that he can beat the Lakers unless he convinces another top-tier free agent to join him. LeBron, Davis, and Kyrie/Kemba will be too much for the Finals MVP or any NBA team to handle next season.
If the Lakers sign Wade, they will be more formidable. The three-time champion averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists last season, proving that he can still be reliable on both ends of the floor. If he can avoid injuries, he will be a welcome addition to a star-studded Lakers team.
A chance to start, literally.
Last season, Wade came off the bench for the Heat, and for someone who has watched him for more than a decade, I felt he didn't deserve to be a reserve for the team that he lifted to championships. That's not going to be the case if he joins the Lakers, who can make him their top shooting guard. He can share the court with three of the best players in the league.
Yes, yes, you might argue that for someone as injury-prone as Wade, coming off the bench would be a better role. Again, I am assuming he's 100 percent healthy. Besides, with LeBron, AD, and one other star, Wade won't have to do much on both ends of the floor; he can be more effective when needed.
A fitting conclusion to the James-Wade era
When LeBron and Wade teamed up on the Heat in 2010, they became one of the best superstar tandems in the history of the NBA with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, and Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, when they had another opportunity to join forces with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, the outcome was disappointing.
Wade can change that with the Lakers. If he and Bron win the championship, it will be remembered by fans for a long time. Who doesn't want to see a classic alley-oop in the Finals from those two future Hall of Famers?
***
All of the things you've been reading about Wade potentially joining the Lakers next season are nothing but rumors, and to some extent, wishful thinking.
Yes, I also know that Wade is a ‘Heat for Life.' I am simply stating some of the things he can accomplish in L.A.
If he does have a change of heart, the Lakers should be his top choice.
Dwyane Wade. #FutureLaker
Hopefully.
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