The Los Angeles Lakers have finally begun making moves in free agency. With the recent additions of Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton, the Purple and Gold rounded out their roster depth by re-signing Jaxson Hayes to a one-year deal.
While the franchise has made some decent additions to its roster, it is safe to say that the team isn’t viewed as a title contender yet. The departure of Dorian Finney-Smith has been a massive blow to the team’s wing depth. The lack of a reliable perimeter defender in today’s game could spell disaster for a team with title aspirations.
The need to construct a more competent roster has been spurred by LeBron James’ ultimatum to the team. With the big man issues being addressed, adding a proven wing to the roster has become the priority.
The Lakers have been linked to several wing players in trade rumors this offseason, with Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins garnering the most attention.
Although a trade hasn’t materialized yet, it is abundantly clear that the Purple and Gold are willing to part ways with Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and two future picks to facilitate a move.
With this in mind, we explore the four best deals the Lakers can get while using this strategy.
Andrew Wiggins
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2028 first-round pick (LAL swap), 2032 second-round pick
The Lakers’ primary wing target in the offseason has been Andrew Wiggins. The Miami Heat forward has garnered interest from a few teams in trade talks this offseason, but the Purple and Gold have shown a keen interest in acquiring him.
Wiggins would be an ideal fit on the Lakers’ roster. His tremendous athleticism and shooting ability would allow him to seamlessly slot into the starting rotation next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Additionally, his length and defensive instincts make him a capable defender on the perimeter.
Last season, the forward recorded an average of 18.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on shooting splits of 44.8% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. These are impressive numbers for a player who switched teams midway through the season.
Apart from the tangible stats Wiggins brings to the table, the 30-year-old also brings veteran experience and championship pedigree.
Having played a vital role in securing the title for the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals, Wiggins is familiar with the challenges the team can face in the playoffs. Considering the Lakers’ title aspirations, these factors will make Wiggins a clear-cut favorite for the team.
The challenge with acquiring Wiggins lies in Miami’s demands. At the current juncture, the Heat are expecting Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, along with draft compensation. This asking price may simply be too much for the Purple and Gold.
Herb Jones
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2028 first-round pick (LAL swap), 2032 second-round pick
Another player who has been on the Los Angeles Lakers’ radar has been New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones. Jones is a young talent with a lot of upside. Considering his contributions to the Pelicans’ defensive effort over the last few seasons, he would be an ideal acquisition for the Purple and Gold.
Unlike Wiggins, who presents more of a two-way threat, Jones is primarily a defensive force. But he is undoubtedly one of the best in the league. Having earned an All-Defensive team nod in the 2023-24 season, the forward established that he would be a force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, last season was a bit of a roadblock in the forward’s development. Having sustained an injury to his rotator cuff, Jones was sidelined after only 20 games played. During this time, he displayed his development into a reliable wing player, averaging 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 43.6% from the field.
The 26-year-old isn’t the most reliable offensive threat, and his perimeter shooting certainly leaves more to be desired. But what he is capable of bringing to the floor with his defensive prowess and athleticism is worth taking note of.
The challenge with trading for Jones is that the Pelicans are also quite aware of the forward’s value, especially on his current contract. With the likelihood that they may not trade him at all, the Lakers may be best served by turning their attention elsewhere.
De’Andre Hunter
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: De’Andre Hunter
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2028 first-round pick (LAL swap), 2032 second-round pick
De’Andre Hunter‘s arrival in Los Angeles would be like a journey coming full circle. After being selected in the 2019 draft by the Lakers, Hunter was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he developed into a fine two-way forward.
His eventual move to the Cleveland Cavaliers only saw him hone his talents further. After a season of averaging 17.0 points and 4.0 rebounds, Hunter’s addition to the Lakers’ roster would be a welcome sight.
Hunter has showcased a lot of upside over the last few seasons. At only 27 years old, he is a young forward with tremendous athleticism and elite shot-creating ability. His defensive ability is not to be overlooked either, as he has gradually developed into a capable perimeter defender.
The forward has had the experience of playing next to very capable point guards in the form of Trae Young and Darius Garland. When considering his familiarity with moving without the ball and thriving in catch-and-shoot positions, he would fit in seamlessly next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
In many ways, Hunter may be the easiest player to acquire via trade. But given Cleveland’s current cap situation, the Purple and Gold would need to alter the trade package slightly to make it more friendly for the Cavaliers.
Miles Bridges
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Miles Bridges
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2028 first-round pick (LAL swap), 2032 second-round pick
In a slightly more controversial acquisition, the Lakers could look to acquire Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges via trade. Given his cap hit of $25.0 million next season, the Purple and Gold may be overpaying with this package, but there is a good reason for this.
Despite his scandals in the past, Bridges is an extremely capable wing player. His averages of 20.3 points and 7.5 rebounds are impressive in any context, especially considering his shooting splits of 43.1% from the field.
Although his perimeter shooting doesn’t inspire much confidence, Bridges has shown a knack for scoring the ball while being a very competent defensive presence. When additionally factoring in his athleticism, which allows him to be a lob threat, Bridges could be a very good fit next to Doncic and James.
Trading with the Hornets, however, may pose a challenge at this stage. After the Lakers rescinded the trade for Mark Williams before the trade deadline, it seems unlikely that the Hornets would want to do business with the Purple and Gold.
What Are The Lakers Lacking?
With the acquisition of Deandre Ayton, the Lakers have addressed the majority of the issues in their starting rotation. While this is comforting to some extent, the Purple and Gold are quite lacking in bench strength.
The roster, as it stands, is incomplete, and the Lakers front office has a lot of work to do if they intend to improve it. But considering the franchise’s outlook towards keeping cap space available for the 2027 offseason, it is unlikely that the team will make any significant signings.
