The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason was highlighted not only by the acquisitions of Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton but, more importantly, by securing Luka Dončić to a three-year, $165 million extension. The deal ensures Dončić remains in Los Angeles through at least the 2027-28 season, with a player option for 2028-29, giving the franchise long-term stability around its centerpiece.
With Dončić’s future locked in, the Lakers have more flexibility to pursue upgrades, particularly on the wing. NBA insider Marc Stein notes that Andrew Wiggins could be an appealing target if the Miami Heat opt to make him available. “Wiggins, 30, will earn $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. I wouldn’t have classified him as a potential purple-and-gold target before Dončić’s long-term future was secured, but things are different now,” Stein reported. “My sense is that the Lakers would have interest if the Heat…decide to prioritize financial flexibility and look to reduce payroll.”
Lakers Trade Rumors Include A Two-Way Wing to Complement Dončić
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The Lakers’ interest in Wiggins stems from a desire to add a two-way wing capable of contributing without dominating the ball. Wiggins’ championship experience with Golden State in 2022 showcased his ability to thrive in a complementary role, defend elite scorers, and provide consistent scoring on the wing.
From a financial perspective, Stein outlined multiple scenarios for making a Wiggins trade feasible. If Miami is motivated primarily by cap relief, the Lakers could offer two large expiring contracts—Maxi Kleber and former Heat guard Gabe Vincent—alongside a young player like Dalton Knecht. That combination would clear roughly $22.5 million from Miami’s books next summer while keeping Los Angeles under the first apron hard cap for the upcoming season.
For more aggressive flexibility, the Heat could request an inclusion like Rui Hachimura, who carries an $18 million expiring deal. Pairing Hachimura with Kleber or Vincent would clear over $29 million in cap space while giving Miami a chance to remain competitive in the East. While losing Hachimura would require the Lakers to part with a key rotation piece, Wiggins could be seen as a direct upgrade on the wing.
Calculated Risk with Dončić Secured
Historically, the Lakers have been cautious with long-term financial commitments and trading future draft picks to upgrade the roster. That caution frustrated LeBron James at times, as the team sought immediate upgrades. With Dončić now under contract for the foreseeable future, the Lakers’ risk of misstep is reduced. They can afford to “take a swing or two” to maximize their championship window without endangering the team’s core, and Wiggins fits that mold.
The 30-year-old forward is capable on both ends of the floor, doesn’t require high usage to impact a game, and brings championship experience and defensive versatility. He also represents a player who could mesh seamlessly with Dončić and LeBron James, forming a high-caliber trio with complementary skill sets.
Lakers Trade Rumors: Price and Draft Considerations
Earlier reports suggested acquiring Wiggins could require two first-round picks, possibly paired with rotation players like Hachimura or Knecht. The Lakers currently own five first-round picks, with the 2031 selection being particularly prized. While Los Angeles has shown reluctance to move those picks lightly, president Rob Pelinka has signaled he would consider packaging them for a true superstar upgrade.
For now, the Lakers’ pursuit remains cautious. Stein notes that while Wiggins’ name has been linked to Los Angeles all summer, the timing and cost make an immediate deal unlikely with the season just weeks away. The Lakers are not looking to trade merely for the sake of change—they want a tangible improvement, a player who elevates both ends of the court and increases the team’s ceiling.
Outlook
Securing Dončić’s long-term commitment has shifted the Lakers’ strategy this offseason. Where they once prioritized preserving cap flexibility, they can now entertain higher-risk moves aimed at immediate contention. Wiggins embodies the type of acquisition the Lakers can pursue—an experienced, two-way wing who doesn’t need the ball to excel and could help bridge the gap to a championship.
With the season looming, the Lakers remain active on the trade front but measured in their approach. As Stein concludes, “The Lakers are hoping the right opportunity presents itself in the coming months.” With Dončić as the anchor, Los Angeles can afford to be bold—and Andrew Wiggins may be the perfect target to make that boldness count.