The Lakers’ priorities are shifting, and it’s opening the door for some new possibilities on the trade market. With Luka Doncic locked into a long-term deal, Los Angeles is now exploring multi-year commitments they previously avoided, and according to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Andrew Wiggins has emerged as a top target to bolster their wing rotation.
“One area the team is focused on is upgrading the wing, where it needs more two-way talent,” wrote Woike. “A player like Miami’s Andrew Wiggins, whom the Lakers weren’t interested in earlier this summer, is now a more desirable player, provided the price is right.”
The Lakers have made it clear that they want to see how their current roster performs before making any major changes. With Luka Doncic in tow and a solid roster around him that includes LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers are rich with depth, and only time will tell if it’s enough to keep up with teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Timberwolves in the West.
If not, the Lakers would look to bolster their wing, and Wiggins could be the perfect fit. In 60 games last season, the 30-year-old swingman averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on 45.8% shooting. With 11 years of experience on various teams, including the 2022 championship Warriors squad, he brings a lot to the table in terms of talent and leadership in the locker room.
Currently, Wiggins is on a two-year deal worth $58 million, and it includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. If the Lakers trade for him, the price would be high, and it would likely only come under the condition that he extends with them to avoid the possibility of losing him next summer. Alternatively, he could opt into his deal to postpone his free agency until 2027.
Regarding what a potential Wiggins trade might look like, it would likely have to involve three teams. One hypothetical scenario could see the Lakers acquiring Wiggins in a three-team deal with the Heat and Nets for Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and Maxi Kleber. Ideally, the Lakers could acquire Wiggins without sacrificing their core or giving up any of their future draft picks.
At this point, however, picks are no longer the priority. With Luka Doncic locked in for the foreseeable future, the Lakers can safely and confidently pivot to win-now mode, meaning that their current stockpile of assets has become expendable.
In a limited market, trading for Wiggins is a solid move that adds yet another versatile veteran to play alongside Luka. No matter what happens with LeBron, Wiggins’ skillset would help balance out the offense and provide another major scoring threat on the perimeter.
Ultimately, the Lakers don’t need to rush into anything, but Wiggins is exactly the type of piece who could raise their ceiling without jeopardizing their long-term flexibility. With Doncic under contract and LeBron still chasing another ring, the window to contend is wide open, and adding a proven two-way wing might be the final push Los Angeles needs to get back to the top.
