The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines this summer by locking Luka Doncic into a three-year, $165 million extension, but questions still linger about how to maximize the window with LeBron James nearing the end of his career.
One name that has surfaced as a potential solution: Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins.
The former No. 1 overall pick should be at the top of Los Angeles’ trade list, Cem Yolbulan of LA Sports Hub argued.
“Wiggins would immediately become the best perimeter defender for the Lakers, taking on the tough defensive assignments night in and night out,” Yolbulan wrote. “He has the three-and-D skillset the Lakers desperately need on the wing, and Wiggins can do a lot more with the ball in his hands than your typical three-and-D player.”
Wiggins has been on the move plenty in his career. Drafted by Cleveland in 2014, he was traded before ever suiting up, spending over five seasons in Minnesota before finding success in Golden State.
His biggest moment came in the 2022 NBA Finals, where he frustrated Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on defense while helping the Warriors secure the championship.
The 30-year-old later became part of the Jimmy Butler trade package to Miami, but his fit with the Heat has never been seamless. With his name floating in trade rumors all summer, the Lakers could be the team to finally make a move.
Having Doncic as the centerpiece means Los Angeles needs defensive stoppers around him, and Wiggins’ ability to guard elite wings fits that mold. He averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game last season, proving he still offers plenty on offense as well.
If Miami is ready to move on, Los Angeles could view Wiggins as the rare two-way option who makes sense financially and on the floor.
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