The Los Angeles Lakers have had a dream start to the season and have hopes of contending for an NBA Championship. LeBron James returning to the lineup gives them a third superstar and a higher overall ceiling. However, there is some skepticism over the Lakers current streak continuing all season.
Luka Doncic is averaging over 35 points and looks like the best scorer in the league. Austin Reaves had an All-Star start and is making Lakers fans dream about his ceiling being higher. Skeptics question these things holding up all year, but the Lakers are looking to improve if one interesting name is available.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the rumored interest in Andrew Wiggins is quite strong:
“We’ve heard for some time now that the Lakers know they need some improvements on the wing. Andrew Wiggins has been a name that they are monitoring if Miami were to make him available.”
Time will tell if the Lakers have enough to offer opposing teams on the trade market since they have three big names on the roster they won’t be moving. Fischer does confirm that the Lakers will upgrade if the right deal for someone they desire is there.
Lakers Trade Package For Andrew Wiggins
The biggest question about the Lakers being able to tempt the Miami Heat into trading Wiggins regards what trade package they could realistically offer. Fischer made it clear that it would be lower tier names and a potential future draft pick. None of the most important players would be moved in exchange for the wing player.
“So, what type of outgoing salary could that mean? I mean, they have a good chunk by combining Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent, in the event that they do see someone they identify and want to go target and add,” Fischer said. “But I think, at this point in time, 11-4, LeBron just came back, the Lakers could also be in a ‘wait and see’ mode. See what this group really looks like.”
Management has a couple of months to watch this current roster play before they make a move. Wiggins may require more assets since Miami got off to a better start and is playing with a new offensive identity. The Heat could easily view Wiggins as part of their future after his great start.
Does This Impact LeBron’s Lakers Future
One interesting thing about Wiggins potentially joining the Lakers would see him playing next to James for the rest of the season. However, LeBron is a free agent next summer and has yet to sign or verbally agree to anything more with the Lakers. There is a belief that James wants to look at other teams, and Los Angeles wants to build a new roster around Doncic.
Acquiring Wiggins might be perfect since he could play in the frontcourt with LeBron this season, but he could also replace him next year. Wiggins would be the ideal wing player to team with Doncic and Reaves, especially since he plays defense at a high level. The Lakers having such strong interest in Wiggins could impact the long and short term future alike.
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