The Los Angeles Lakers have been quiet this offseason—but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning. Among the most persistent trade whispers was a possible deal for Andrew Wiggins, now with the Miami Heat. However, that speculation came to a screeching halt this week when The Athletic’s Dan Woike made it clear: the Lakers are not interested.
“They’re not interested in Andrew Wiggins. I think I can put that to bed,” Woike said on The Zach Lowe Show podcast.
“I didn’t really understand those rumors,” Lowe added. “They were suddenly giving up a lot of s— for Andrew Wiggins. Like, is Rui Hachimura just as good as Andrew Wiggins? Why am I adding a lot more to that?”
Wiggins Talks Hit a Wall
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Despite earlier reports that the Heat were actively shopping Wiggins—and even held advanced discussions with the Lakers—any momentum appears to have dissolved. Miami reportedly asked for Rui Hachimura, rookie Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick in return. That hefty price tag never made much sense for L.A., especially considering Wiggins’ inconsistent play in recent seasons.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic confirmed that Miami’s valuation was steep:
“They’ve been asking for a first & Dalton Knecht… I think they also want Rui Hachimura too, because they want to remain competitive. Miami’s asking price has to drop.”
Now, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has confirmed Wiggins will remain with Miami, calling him an “important piece” of their rotation heading into next season.
Lakers Still in the Market for a Wing
While the Wiggins pursuit is over, the Lakers are hardly finished. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, L.A. is still “actively looking” for a defensive-minded wing and is expected to make a move by the end of the month. Their offseason moves so far—signing Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, re-signing Jaxson Hayes, and drafting Adou Thiero—haven’t addressed that need.
With nearly $55 million in expiring contracts and future picks still available, the Lakers have the tools to get something done. But they’re clearly being selective, choosing not to overpay for a name like Wiggins and instead waiting for a better fit at a better price.
For now, silence in L.A. doesn’t mean inactivity—it just means patience.