The Los Angeles Lakers may be looking at their next big swing. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, a new trade proposal provides a pathway for the Lakers to land Andrew Wiggins — with the Miami Heat also tied into the talks.
Wiggins, once seen as a No. 1 franchise cornerstone, reinvented himself with Golden State. He became the ultimate two-way weapon in the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, guarding elite wings while hitting timely shots. Now, with Golden State entering a transition period and LeBron James’ championship window narrowing, the timing may be perfect for a move.
Why the Lakers Want Wiggins
The Lakers’ biggest weakness has been at the wing. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura have stepped up, but against teams like Denver, Phoenix, or Minnesota, L.A. has struggled to keep up with elite perimeter scorers. Wiggins brings length, athleticism, and playoff experience — the exact qualities the Lakers have been missing.
The Possible Trade Framework
Nothing is finalized, but reports suggest Miami could step in as a third team to help balance contracts. The Lakers might have to part with draft capital or players like D’Angelo Russell to make it work. For Golden State, moving Wiggins would provide financial flexibility as they juggle the most expensive roster in NBA history.
How Wiggins Fits in L.A.
Imagine a Lakers starting five of:
- LeBron James
- Luka Doncic
- Andrew Wiggins
- Austin Reaves
- Deandre Ayton
- And MARCUS SMART as a 6th Man!
That’s a switchable, playoff-tested group with scoring, defense, and veteran leadership. Wiggins wouldn’t need to be a 20-point scorer every night — his ability to guard stars and hit spot-up threes could make him the perfect third option.
The Bigger Picture
For the Warriors, this would mark a shift toward reshaping their roster around Stephen Curry while avoiding the looming luxury tax crunch. For the Lakers, it could be the final piece to make a Finals push.
The Western Conference is a gauntlet. Denver has Jokic and Murray, Phoenix has Durant, Booker, and Beal, and Dallas has Luka and Kyrie. If the Lakers don’t make a move, they risk being left behind. Andrew Wiggins might be the bridge that keeps them in the championship conversation.
