The Los Angeles Lakers may be shifting their approach to roster building, with longtime NBA insider Marc Stein reporting Monday that the team would have interest in Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins if he becomes available.
In his “The Stein Line” newsletter, Stein wrote that the Lakers’ reluctance to consider contracts stretching beyond the 2025-26 season has “thawed somewhat” following a deliberate offseason. While he cautioned that Los Angeles will not make a move “for just anyone” before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Stein identified 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.”
Reports of Trade Talks
Getty Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat controls the ball against Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
Speculation surrounding Wiggins dates back to the summer.
Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported in June that the Heat had shown interest in Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, who is on an expiring contract, in a potential deal involving Wiggins. Irwin noted that trade talks “advanced to the next step,” but nothing was imminent.
However, other outlets have downplayed the likelihood of a deal.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported on “The Zach Lowe Show” podcast in July that the Lakers were not interested in Wiggins. Jovan Buha earlier said on his “Buha’s Block” podcast that Miami’s asking price for Wiggins remains “steep,” including requests for a first-round pick and rookie Dalton Knecht.
The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson also reported that the Heat plan to keep Wiggins, with Jackson writing that “nothing” offered so far has been “enticing.”
Wiggins’ Status in Miami
Wiggins, 30, is entering the second season of a four-year, $109 million deal. He will earn $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. Miami acquired him in February as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State.
Stein noted that Wiggins was even discussed in trade dialogue with Phoenix before the Suns sent Kevin Durant to Houston in June, though the Heat have since signaled that he will start the season in Miami.
Lakers’ Cap Strategy
Los Angeles spent the offseason prioritizing financial flexibility, keeping all new contracts short-term aside from Luka Dončić’s three-year, $165 million maximum extension. The Lakers handed out two-year deals to Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, with player options in the second year for Ayton and Smart.
That strategy could leave the Lakers with more than $100 million in cap space after next season, when LeBron James’ $52.6 million deal comes off the books. The franchise is also preparing for Austin Reaves’ next contract, with the guard expected to command significant interest in unrestricted free agency next summer.
But Stein’s latest reporting suggests the Lakers will not have to wait until next summer to make a move to add more to their roster.
Why Wiggins Fits the Lakers
If the Lakers were to acquire Wiggins, he would address one of their top needs: a versatile wing capable of guarding multiple positions and providing perimeter scoring. Wiggins’ experience in playoff environments and ability to complement a star like Dončić could help elevate Los Angeles’ ceiling without compromising long-term flexibility.
Stein’s report suggests that the Lakers see him as a potential short-term solution who could contribute on both ends while the team remains positioned for future star acquisitions.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lakers Target $109 Million Champion Wing as Cap Strategy Shifts appeared first on Heavy Sports.