The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of a potential transformation. With the right addition—a versatile wing who can lock down elite scorers and contribute across all levels of the offense—the team could shift from strong playoff contender to genuine championship threat. Andrew Wiggins has emerged as a plausible candidate to fill that critical role.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus recently outlined a three-team trade scenario that would send Wiggins from the Miami Heat to Los Angeles. Under the proposed framework, the Lakers would also acquire Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Drew Timme, while sending Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht to Miami. Brooklyn would be involved to balance salaries and acquire a second-round pick.
“If he fits well, he could opt out and re-sign on a lower but longer annual deal,” Pincus wrote. “Or Los Angeles could use his expiring contract in a future deal. Wiggins averaged 18 points per game last year, splitting time between the Golden State Warriors and the Heat. He shot 37.4 percent from three-point range (on 2.2 attempts) through 60 appearances.”
Could Andrew Wiggins Be the Missing Piece for the Lakers’ Championship Push?
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Wiggins brings both experience and a championship pedigree, having played a key defensive role in Golden State’s 2022 title run. Pairing him alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić could create a trio capable of sustained two-way dominance, particularly with Marcus Smart already anchoring the perimeter defense.
Marc Stein Re-Ignites Lakers Trade Rumors
NBA Insider Marc Stein highlighted the Lakers’ ongoing interest in a forward who can “raise their ceiling,” specifically mentioning Wiggins as a target if Miami were willing to part with him. “League sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote.
Yet not all experts are sold on the James-Doncic pairing. Former NBA guard Austin Rivers recently expressed skepticism on the “Off Guard” podcast, noting that LeBron has historically demanded a primary role on any team. “LeBron still wants this to be his show. Luka’s just too good for not to be his show… Who is the Robin in this situation?” Rivers asked.
Adding Wiggins could address some of those concerns. His presence would bolster perimeter defense, pairing with Smart to provide two elite point-of-attack defenders. JJ Redick, analyzing the potential pairing, suggested that Wiggins could mitigate defensive shortcomings while maintaining offensive balance.
Financially, Wiggins’ $28.2 million salary for the 2025-26 season—and $30.2 million player option for 2026-27—fits within a framework that allows Los Angeles to preserve cap flexibility while improving the roster immediately. From Miami’s perspective, trading Wiggins frees up significant luxury-tax space and adds potential long-term flexibility with Hachimura and Knecht. Brooklyn, meanwhile, participates primarily for salary-cap compliance, with veteran Maxi Kleber likely entering free agency.
From a basketball standpoint, the trade would fill a clear void left by Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure, giving the Lakers a 6’7” wing who can match up with high-level perimeter scorers while still contributing offensively. Wiggins’ shooting—37.4 percent from deep—is modestly lower than Hachimura’s, but the defensive upgrade is expected to outweigh any offensive trade-off.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ front office faces a calculated decision: maintain the current rotation or make a strategic move to acquire Wiggins, potentially unlocking a higher ceiling for a team led by two of the game’s most talented stars. As Marc Stein notes, Los Angeles’ earlier offseason reluctance to take on longer contracts appears to be softening, leaving the door open for a trade that could reshape the championship landscape.