The Los Angeles Lakers might be one move away from being genuine championship contenders for the upcoming season.
Adding a genuine defensive presence on the wing who can also provide multi-level scoring would take the Lakers’ roster to another level.
In a recent three-team trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Andrew Wiggins could be the player to fill that void. Pincus’ trade proposal looks like this:
Lakers Get: Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Drew Timme
Miami Heat Get: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and a $10 million trade exception for trading Wiggins
Brooklyn Nets Get: Maxi Kleber, a 2026 second-round pick from Miami, $4.6 million in cash from Miami and $2 million in cash from the Lakers.
“If he fits well, he could opt out and re-sign on a lower but longer annual deal. Or Los Angeles could use his expiring contract in a future deal,” Pincus wrote. “…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.”
Wiggins was a key member of the Golden State Warriors franchise that won a championship in 2022. His defense was a catalyst for their push toward the Larry O’Brien trophy. Pairing him with LeBron James and Luka Doncic could be enough to get another elite season from the former first-overall pick.
Lakers Reportedly Looking For A Ceiling Raiser
According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, writing in a recent edition of “The Stein Line Newsletter,” the Lakers would have interest in acquiring a talented forward capable of improving the current rotation. Stein then mentioned Wiggins as a potential target.
“League sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote. “My read (if Miami were to make him available): Andrew Wiggins.”
Adding Wiggins to a rotation that already includes Marcus Smart would drastically change how we view the Lakers’ defensive upside. They would have two elite point-of-attack defenders on the roster, both of them capable of shutting down their opponents’ best player.
Former Guard Doubts Lakers Star Pairing
During a recent episode of the “Off Guard” podcast, former NBA guard Austin Rivers shared his thoughts on the James and Doncic partnership.
“I don’t like the fit with him and Luka,” Rivers said. “LeBron still wants this to be his show. Luka’s just too good for not to be his show. It worked with Kyrie. Kyrie accepted Luka as the best player. He was the Batman to his Robin. Who is the Robin in this situation? Now, LeBron is a strategic mastermind and will come out and say that ‘I am.’”
Perhaps by adding Wiggins to the current core, Teague’s stance on the Doncic and James pairing would change. With two elite defenders on the roster, JJ Redick should have no problem in papering over any shortcomings the duo may have on the defensive side of the floor.
Wiggins would be a strong addition to the Lakers’ roster. However, there’s no guarantee Rob Pelinka will explore a potential trade, especially if he’s happy with how the current rotation looks on paper. Although things could certainly heat up closer to the trade deadline.
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