The Los Angeles Lakers only became active this offseason once the free agency market opened. When considering the kind of talent they managed to pick up, it would be safe to say that this approach paid off, to an extent. But this is not enough for them to be considered title contenders, especially in the West.
There’s plenty to like about the current Lakers roster. The distribution of talent, the depth, and even the age distribution indicate a balance across the board. Unfortunately, they are still lacking in star power and frontcourt depth when compared to some of the teams they will be going up against.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic both perceive the upcoming season with a “win now” mindset. To aid the Lakers’ pursuit of a championship, we present a trade idea that would allow them to address their remaining concerns and form a roster capable of contending for the title.
Here’s how a three-team deal could reshape their chances.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Walker Kessler
Miami Heat Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 first-round pick
A trade of this magnitude has major implications for each team involved. Let’s take a close look at the impact it has on each team.
Lakers Strengthen Title Chances
This trade proposal was made to make the Lakers a more competitive side in the Western Conference. By acquiring Walker Kessler and Andrew Wiggins, the Purple and Gold may achieve this goal.
Both Kessler and Wiggins have been closely linked to the Lakers in trade rumors this offseason. Although the deals didn’t materialize due to shortcomings in the negotiations, should the Purple and Gold manage to complete these deals, they would undoubtedly be a contender.
Acquiring Wiggins would be a huge boost to LA’s starting rotation. As capable as Rui Hachimura is, the Heat forward brings a lot more to the table. His averages of 18.0 points and 4.5 rebounds make him a far more reliable scoring option. With James and Doncic on the floor, Wiggins could be the ideal third star.
Along with his impressive two-way potential, Wiggins also has championship experience. This will be incredibly valuable when the Lakers mount a title charge in the postseason.
The addition of Kessler gives a lot of depth to the team’s big man rotation. Potentially coming in behind Deandre Ayton, Kessler offers tremendous rebounding and rim protection. He also emerges as a flexible rotation option to preserve Ayton over the regular season.
Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season. As a young center with a lot of potential, the Purple and Gold would only benefit from giving him more playing time.
Miami Infuses Youth And Energy
Parting ways with Wiggins may not be the most favorable outcome for the Miami Heat next season, but the acquisition of Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt could be more relevant from a developmental perspective.
After their offseason dealings, the Heat have become a much younger team. Led by a core of young stars, Miami stands to gain a lot by adding a young sharpshooter like Knecht.
Knecht appears to be a serviceable replacement for Duncan Robinson. His rookie season averages weren’t mesmerizing, but he put up a solid 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
The 24-year-old has upside as a perimeter threat off the bench. Given the way the Heat roster is constructed, Knecht could thrive in such a system if provided with the opportunity.
Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt gives the team length and defensive upside. Although he isn’t the most capable offensive threat, only putting up an average of 4.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, he makes up for it with his hustle on the defensive end.
A player like Vanderbilt could give the Heat a lot of flexibility with their defensive rotation. As an undersized unit, having an agile forward could help them overcome potential challenges with size disparity by experimenting with an active, switch-heavy defensive system.
Jazz Build Build Cap Flexibility
The Utah Jazz are one of the most intriguing teams in the league. Deciphering their intentions has proven to be a challenge, especially considering their offseason moves.
By parting ways with Kessler in this trade, the Jazz ensure that they are in a position to further prioritize development and long-term assets. With the benefit of adding a first-round pick in this deal, they also acquire Rui Hachimura’s expiring contract.
In any other scenario, Hachimura may have found himself in a situation to be a contributor on a competitive team. On the Jazz, however, he would be among the veterans who may not see as much playing time. This is primarily dependent on the team’s outlook for the season.
When given the opportunity, Hachimura has proven himself to be a very reliable two-way presence on the court. His versatility on offense is only complemented by his defensive upside and ability to guard bigger players.
With an average of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds last season, the forward showcased his ability to be productive. On a team like Utah, he could have more opportunities to be a greater scoring threat.
Can The Lakers Make It Out Of the West?
Making it out of the Western Conference will be a challenge next season. With the Oklahoma City Thunder still at the top of the table, any team in the conference will have to go through them to make it to the Finals.
When also considering that teams such as the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers have become significantly stronger, the Lakers will have a difficult path ahead.
A lot of the Lakers’ success next season will be predicated on whether they continue to build upon their roster strength or not. Should they opt to do so and succeed, their chances will certainly improve.
It is also evident that their superstar Luka Doncic has displayed a commitment to bringing a title to the city. With several fans expecting an MVP-caliber season from him, the Purple and Gold possess the tools to make it out of the West.
