With Luka Doncic’s future with the Lakers now secured, the focus now shifts to surrounding him and LeBron James with the best possible fits. One insider says a previous target could be one of those options.
Report: Lakers Wing Search Could Lead Them Back to Familiar Name
Marc Stein: Andrew Wiggins May Be on Lakers’ Radar
In a Monday newsletter posted to Substack, NBA insider Marc Stein said the Lakers are looking for a “two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling” and could be interested in Andrew Wiggins should the Miami Heat make him available.
“Wiggins, 30, will earn $28.2 million this season and holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. I wouldn’t have classified him as a potential purple-and-gold target before Dončić’s long-term future was secured, but things are different now.
“So my sense is that the Lakers would have interest if the Heat, in coming weeks or months, decide to prioritize financial flexibility and look to reduce payroll.”
The Heat forward averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals this season following his move from the Warriors. He also shot 44.8% from the field, 37.4% from three and 76.3% from the free-throw line. Though praised as a 3-and-D threat, Wiggins’ scoring and efficiency dipped in this year’s postseason. In Miami’s first-round loss to the Cavs, he put up 11.5 points on .372/.350/.700 splits.
Lakers, Heat Previously Discussed Wiggins Trade
The Wiggins-to-Lakers rumors should come as no surprise, given LA’s past interest in the former No. 1 overall pick. LA and Miami engaged in trade talks over the summer. However, a steep asking price of Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick slammed the brakes on a potential deal.
Recent reports say the Lakers will remain aggressive at this year’s trade deadline, a notable stance considering their current restrictions under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. With the team barely under the first apron hard cap, they are unable to sign another free agent before Jan. 18 unless they shed salary in a trade.
An athletic two-way wing who frequently challenges opposing stars, Wiggins would be a natural fit for the Lakers and their starting lineup. As far as realistic targets go, he is among the team’s best bets and would be a significant addition for their future with Doncic, even in the short term.
Lakers Trade Assets
Contrary to popular belief, the Lakers have several assets they could use in a trade. Chief among them are the three expiring contracts in Hachimura ($18.2 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million). Hachimura is still held in high regard within the organization, and the Lakers seem willing to evaluate Vincent and Kleber before throwing them onto the trade block. Knecht, despite his struggles, is still a 24-year-old sharpshooter with potential, and he has a two-year team option in 2026.
According to Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane, LA owns their future firsts in 2026, 2028, 2030 and 2031 but must abide by the Stepien Rule when deciding to move them. That means that, as of now, they can only attach the 2031 first in any future trade. The previous offer of Hachimura, Knecht and a first may still be too much for a veteran wing making nearly $30 million. But if the Heat become open to moving Wiggins, perhaps Rob Pelinka could lower the bar and acquire him for a steal of a deal.
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