The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024-25 postseason with heightened expectations, following the acquisition of Luka Doncic, who formed a formidable superstar duo with LeBron James. However, LA failed to live up to its 50-win regular season finish, exiting the playoffs in the first round at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The loss has brought about a pressing need for roster reinvention ahead of next season. With a high-scoring offense failing to translate into postseason success, calls have grown for the team to acquire players capable of elevating their playoff performance.
Recently, ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted Rui Hachimura’s expiring $18.3 million contract as one LA has to take advantage of when pursuing roster upgrades.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22).
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Just over one week after this report about Hachimura’s uncertain Lakers future, Jovan Buha of The Athletic highlighted Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins as a realistic trade fit for LA. Buha described a scenario that would involve sending Hachimura to Miami in exchange.
“I like that trade,” Buha said of a hypothetical deal that would send Lakers forward Rui Hachimura to the Heat for Wiggins. “I know Wiggins has been a popular guy for Lakers Twitter. He is someone that — I think among the realistic options — he is someone that would check a lot of boxes for the Lakers.”
Wiggins brings a compelling pedigree: an NBA champion with Golden State and an All-Star appearance in 2022. The former No. 1 overall pick, who was traded to the Heat from Golden State in February, averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game during the 2024-25 season, shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.4% from three.
However, trading for Wiggins presents complexities, starting with financial implications: he carries a $28.2 million cap hit next season, with a player option in 2026‑27 potentially making him a free agent in two years.
If executed, such a trade would provide LA with a wing who offers solid perimeter defense, athletic scoring, and postseason experience—traits that align with the team’s priority to assemble a more balanced, playoff-ready roster heading into 2025‑26.
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