The biggest weakness the Los Angeles Lakers had during their postseason run in 2025 was their lack of two-way players. Head coach JJ Redick didn't have enough players who could contribute on both ends of the floor, forcing him to shorten his playoff rotation, going as far as not using any subs in the second half of Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
That is why the Lakers' top priority entering the offseason was to surround LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves with more two-way role players. Unfortunately, general manager Rob Pelinka hasn't been able to do that successfully.
Instead, the Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith and added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. Understandably, Lakers fans are asking for more from their front office. Fortunately for them, NBA insider Marc Stein had just the news they had been looking for.
Lakers Reportedly Interested in Miami's Andrew Wiggins
Stein reported on Monday that the Lakers are now less reluctant to swing big for a trade. He added that this didn't necessarily mean that they will make a blockbuster move right away, but that they are more open to the possibility, before revealing the "sort of player who is likely to interest the Lakers:" Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.
Even though Stein added the caveat of "if Miami were to make him available" for Wiggins, the Lakers' interest in the former NBA All-Star makes a ton of sense. The veteran small forward is a very valuable three-and-D wing who can do a lot more with the ball in his hands than a standard two-way forward. He has a ton of playoff experience, having won a title while playing a crucial role with the Golden State Warriors in 2022.
The only reason the Heat would consider trading Wiggins is the fact that he is entering the final year of his contract, which will pay him $28.2 million, according to Spotrac. He has a player option for $30.1 million for the 2026-27 season, but he would likely look to opt out and sign a longer-term deal before he enters his age-31 season.
Miami isn't going anywhere with the Bam Adebayo-Tyler Herro duo, as they are stuck in Play-In Tournament purgatory. This would make the Heat more likely to listen to trade offers for Wiggins if they net them valuable draft capital and future assets.
The Lakers have plenty of matching salary with the contracts of Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent to include in a Wiggins trade. They will also likely have to include their 2031 first-round pick (the earliest first-rounder they can include) to facilitate a deal with the Heat.
Considering the narrow championship window for 40-year-old LeBron James, this would be a worthy swing for the Lakers' front office.