Lakers Eye Two-Way Wing Andrew Wiggins as Trade Target, Per Marc Stein Report

The Los Angeles Lakers, perennial contenders in the NBA’s Western Conference, are reportedly looking to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season, with a particular focus on upgrading their wing position. According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers have their sights set on a two-way wing, with Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins emerging as a potential trade target. Stein’s report, published on September 8, 2025, highlights Wiggins’ fit with the Lakers’ win-now mentality, especially following Luka Dončić’s long-term commitment to the team. This article explores the context of the Lakers’ interest in Wiggins, the implications of such a trade, and the broader strategy for a franchise aiming to maximize LeBron James’ final years and Dončić’s prime.

The Lakers’ Offseason: Building Around Dončić and James

The Lakers’ 2025 offseason has been defined by bold moves and high expectations. After a 50-win season in 2024-25, the team made significant additions, including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia, to complement their core of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. The most pivotal move was securing Dončić to a three-year, $165 million contract extension on August 2, 2025, ensuring his presence through at least the 2027-28 season. This commitment shifted the Lakers’ approach from cautious roster-building to an aggressive win-now strategy, as they aim to capitalize on James’ remaining years and Dončić’s emergence as the franchise’s cornerstone.

Despite these additions, the Lakers identified wing defense as an area for improvement. While Smart brings elite perimeter defense and LaRavia offers versatility, the team lacks a true two-way wing capable of guarding elite scorers and contributing offensively. This need has driven their interest in players like Andrew Wiggins, whose experience, athleticism, and championship pedigree make him an intriguing fit.

Marc Stein’s Report: Wiggins as a Potential Target

In his September 8 newsletter, Marc Stein reported that the Lakers are exploring trade options to upgrade their wing position, with Wiggins, now with the Miami Heat, as a notable candidate. Stein noted, “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.”

Wiggins, the former No. 1 overall pick and 2022 NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, has reestablished himself as a reliable two-way player since joining the Heat in a trade for Jimmy Butler in February 2025. Last season, he averaged 17.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, shooting 37.4% from three on 5.8 attempts. His ability to defend multiple positions and provide secondary scoring makes him an appealing target for a Lakers team looking to elevate its ceiling.

Stein’s report suggests that the Lakers’ earlier reluctance to take on contracts extending beyond the 2025-26 season has softened, largely due to Dončić’s extension. This shift opens the door to pursuing players like Wiggins, whose $28.2 million salary and $30.2 million player option align with the team’s newfound flexibility. However, the trade’s feasibility hinges on Miami’s willingness to move Wiggins as they navigate their post-Butler roster and financial landscape.

Why Wiggins? A Perfect Fit for the Lakers’ Needs

Wiggins’ skill set aligns closely with the Lakers’ roster needs. At 30 years old, he brings a blend of youth and experience, capable of fitting alongside James, Dončić, and Anthony Davis (assuming Davis remains with the team, as no trade involving him has been confirmed). His defensive versatility, honed during Golden State’s 2022 championship run, allows him to guard elite wings like Kevin Durant or Paul George, addressing a critical weakness exposed in the Lakers’ 2024-25 playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Offensively, Wiggins offers complementary scoring without demanding a high usage rate. His ability to knock down open threes (37.4% last season) and attack closeouts would thrive in a system featuring Dončić’s playmaking and James’ gravitational pull. Unlike Rui Hachimura, whose natural position is power forward, Wiggins is a true small forward, offering better positional fit alongside James, who is best suited as a power forward at this stage of his career. Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha, on his “Buha’s Block” podcast, praised Wiggins as a player who “checks a lot of boxes” for the team, particularly in terms of two-way impact.

Wiggins’ playoff experience is another draw. During the Warriors’ 2022 title run, he averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, proving he can elevate his play in high-stakes moments. His performance against LeBron James in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals, where he effectively defended the Lakers’ star, further underscores his potential to make an immediate impact.

The Miami Heat’s Perspective: Why Trade Wiggins?

The Miami Heat’s motivations for potentially trading Wiggins center on financial flexibility and roster retooling. After trading Jimmy Butler to Golden State in February 2025, the Heat are in a transitional phase, balancing competitiveness with long-term planning. Wiggins’ $28.2 million salary and $30.2 million player option represent significant cap hits, especially for a team looking to rebuild around younger players like Bam Adebayo. Stein suggests that Miami may prioritize shedding salary to create room for future moves, particularly if their 2025-26 season falls short of playoff expectations.

ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reported in June 2025 that the Heat had shown interest in Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, who is on an expiring $17 million contract, as part of a potential Wiggins deal. While those talks advanced, they did not materialize, partly due to Miami’s steep asking price, which reportedly included a first-round pick and rookie Dalton Knecht. The Athletic’s Dan Woike noted in July that the Lakers were hesitant to pursue Wiggins at that time, but Stein’s recent report indicates a renewed openness to such a trade.

For Miami, a trade involving Wiggins could yield assets like Hachimura, draft picks, or young players, allowing them to reset their cap sheet while maintaining competitiveness. However, the Heat’s high valuation of Wiggins, given his solid performance last season, suggests that negotiations could be complex. The Lakers would need to offer a package that aligns with Miami’s goals while preserving their own depth.

Trade Scenarios: Making the Money Work

A potential Wiggins trade would require careful salary matching due to NBA cap rules. Wiggins’ $28.2 million salary could be matched by combining Hachimura’s $17 million with additional contracts, such as Gabe Vincent ($11 million) or Maxi Kleber ($11 million). A hypothetical deal might look like this:

• Lakers receive: Andrew Wiggins
• Heat receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a second-round pick

Such a trade would allow the Lakers to retain key assets like Knecht and Reaves while addressing their wing needs. However, Miami might demand a first-round pick or a prospect like Jalen Hood-Schifino, complicating negotiations. The Lakers’ reluctance to include Knecht, a promising rookie, was noted by Buha as a sticking point in earlier talks.

Alternatively, the Lakers could explore a multi-team trade to facilitate the deal, leveraging their expiring contracts to attract additional assets. The February 5, 2026, trade deadline provides a window for such discussions, but the Lakers are reportedly cautious, preferring to evaluate their current roster—particularly Vincent and Kleber—before committing to a major move.

Challenges and Risks

Acquiring Wiggins is not without risks. His $30.2 million player option for 2026-27 represents a long-term financial commitment, a concern for a Lakers team that previously avoided such deals. While Dončić’s extension has eased these concerns, the front office must weigh whether Wiggins’ production justifies his cost, especially if his performance dips or injuries resurface. Wiggins has a history of inconsistency, particularly during his early years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, though his time with Golden State and Miami suggests he thrives in structured systems.

Additionally, the Lakers face competition for Wiggins. The Los Angeles Clippers are also monitoring him as a potential trade target, per Total Pro Sports, which could drive up the asking price. Losing key depth pieces like Hachimura or Vincent could also strain the roster, particularly if injuries to James or Davis occur.

The Broader Strategy: Win-Now Mode

The Lakers’ interest in Wiggins reflects their shift to a win-now mentality. With James, at 40, likely in his final season, and Dončić locked in as the franchise’s future, the team is prioritizing immediate contention over long-term flexibility. Wiggins’ addition would create a formidable core alongside Dončić, James, Davis, and Smart, potentially rivaling Western Conference powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. His defensive prowess and scoring efficiency would complement the Lakers’ star-driven system, allowing Dončić to focus on playmaking and James to conserve energy for the playoffs.

The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has a history of bold moves, as evidenced by the Ayton and Smart acquisitions. Pursuing Wiggins aligns with this aggressive approach, signaling their intent to maximize their championship window. However, Pelinka must balance this pursuit with the need to preserve draft capital and young talent, especially with the February 5 trade deadline looming.

Fan and Media Reaction

The prospect of Wiggins joining the Lakers has generated buzz among fans and analysts. Posts on X reflect excitement, with comments like, “Wiggins with LeBron and Luka? That’s a championship roster!” and “Perfect fit for the Lakers’ defense.” Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha expressed enthusiasm for the hypothetical trade, noting that Wiggins would address multiple needs. However, some fans voiced concerns about the cost, with one writing, “Don’t give up Knecht for Wiggins. Too risky.” Media outlets, including Newsweek and CBS Sports, have amplified the rumors, framing Wiggins as a potential game-changer for Los Angeles.

Looking Ahead: The Road to February

The Lakers’ pursuit of Wiggins will depend on several factors: Miami’s willingness to trade, the Lakers’ evaluation of their current roster, and competition from other teams. The team’s upcoming schedule, with training camp less than a month away, will provide clarity on how their new additions mesh. If Vincent or Kleber underperform, the urgency to acquire Wiggins could intensify. Conversely, if the current roster gels, the Lakers may opt for smaller tweaks rather than a blockbuster deal.

For now, Stein’s report underscores the Lakers’ proactive approach to roster-building. Wiggins, with his two-way versatility and championship experience, represents an ideal target for a team aiming to contend in a loaded Western Conference. As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to see if they can land the former All-Star and elevate their championship aspirations.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Lakers’ interest in Andrew Wiggins, as reported by Marc Stein, signals their intent to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff run in 2025-26. With Luka Dončić secured long-term and LeBron James nearing the end of his storied career, the addition of a two-way wing like Wiggins could be the missing piece for a championship-caliber team. While challenges remain, including salary matching and Miami’s steep asking price, the Lakers’ shift toward embracing longer-term contracts reflects their win-now urgency. As trade talks evolve, Wiggins’ potential arrival could reshape the Lakers’ fortunes, pairing his defensive tenacity and scoring prowess with one of the NBA’s most talented rosters.