The Los Angeles Lakers made key offseason moves to support their generational duo of 5-time All-NBA First Team selection Luka Dončić and 21-time All-Star LeBron James, bringing in Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. Yet, after losing 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, the front office faces a renewed focus on depth, prompting speculation about the trade market.
Lakers Trade Rumors Spotlight Haywood Highsmith
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One potential target surfacing in Lakers trade rumors is Haywood Highsmith of the Brooklyn Nets. A 6-foot-7 forward with improved three-point shooting and versatile defensive ability, Highsmith could provide LA with a capable two-way option off the bench. Over his time with the Miami Heat, he connected on 38.9% of three-point attempts between 2023-2025 while demonstrating steady growth as a defender.
“To get meaningful minutes in October, young players need to handle pressure,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka might reason. Highsmith, despite a recent torn meniscus sidelining him for 8–10 weeks, could emerge as a creative solution if he returns healthy, fitting the Lakers’ need for wing depth without demanding a blockbuster package.
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers could acquire Highsmith by packaging Dalton Knecht, their former 2024 first-round pick, along with another young asset such as rookie forward Adou Thiero. This move would provide Los Angeles with flexibility while maintaining the financial and roster structure necessary to support Dončić and James.
Balancing Cost and Impact in Lakers Trade Rumors
While Highsmith represents a lower-cost alternative, the Lakers’ primary trade target remains Andrew Wiggins, a former All-Star and 2022 NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors. Insider Marc Stein has linked Wiggins to Los Angeles following Dončić’s long-term commitment, highlighting their interest in a proven two-way wing to elevate the team’s ceiling.
“L.A. would have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote in The Stein Line newsletter. However, trade discussions for Wiggins reportedly stalled over price, with Miami reportedly asking for Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, a first-round pick, and potentially Dalton Knecht — a combination Los Angeles was unwilling to meet.
This dynamic keeps Highsmith at the forefront of Lakers trade rumors, offering a bridge solution: a player who can contribute immediately while they wait for conditions to soften on the Wiggins front.
Highsmith’s Fit and Potential Impact
Highsmith posted career-best numbers last season, averaging 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 24.6 minutes per game while shooting 38.2% from three-point range. He is capable of guarding multiple positions, aligning with head coach JJ Redick’s vision for versatile wing play to support Dončić and James.
“Haywood Highsmith is a good name to drop here,” Irwin noted. “Brooklyn is stockpiling assets, and eventually they may be open for business. If Wiggins costs an arm and a leg, does it make more sense to bring in Highsmith for a fraction of the cost?”
Strategic Next Steps for LA
Los Angeles is at a pivotal stage in roster construction. Acquiring Highsmith could solidify bench wing depth, providing insurance while the team awaits opportunities to pursue higher-profile targets like Wiggins. Trade discussions will likely continue through the season, especially after Highsmith becomes eligible to be moved again post-December 15, according to Jake Fischer.
With a core built around two superstars, LA must weigh financial cost, positional fit, and long-term flexibility in executing any deal. Highsmith could serve as a calculated, low-risk addition while the Lakers monitor the Wiggins market, maintaining championship aspirations without overcommitting assets.