After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be aggressive in upgrading their roster around Luka Dončić and LeBron James. With LeBron entering his 23rd NBA season, the urgency to build a long-term core around Dončić has become a front-office priority. Among the rumored targets: Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and forward Andrew Wiggins.
Los Angeles Lakers Eye Frontcourt Upgrades, but Bam Adebayo Remains a Long Shot
Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic recently floated Adebayo as a “clear upgrade” on defense, noting he’d be a valuable addition despite lacking ideal offensive fit. “I think Bam is not enough of a lob threat for what the Lakers would want,” Buha said on his podcast. “Defensively, he’d be great… but from a trade perspective, I don’t really see LA having enough to offer Miami.”
Adebayo, 26, is under contract through 2026 on a five-year, $163 million deal and remains a pillar of Miami’s core. He averaged 18.1 points and 9.6 rebounds last season, anchoring the Heat’s defense while contributing steadily on offense. However, after a 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Celtics, some around the league speculate Miami could entertain a soft rebuild.
Still, Buha cast doubt on the Lakers’ ability to get a deal done. “Why would [Miami] trade for Austin Reaves when they have Tyler Herro? There are some similarities there… and Reaves is two years older.”
Buha proposed a package of Reaves, Dalton Knecht, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick. His verdict? “I don’t think Miami is doing that.”
Another name floated as a more attainable target is Heat wing Andrew Wiggins. Acquired midseason from Golden State, Wiggins could fill a void for L.A. on the perimeter. “Wiggins is a guy that I like a lot,” Buha said. “You can get there probably with some base of Rui [Hachimura] plus matching salary.”
After finishing 50-32 but falling to the Timberwolves in the first round, the Lakers are in search of reliable defenders and shot creators to complement Dončić. While an Adebayo blockbuster remains unlikely, adding a versatile veteran like Wiggins may be a more realistic path forward.
One thing is certain: The Lakers aren’t standing pat this summer.