The Los Angeles Lakers made significant moves this offseason, acquiring Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton. However, the most crucial step was securing Luka Dončić with a three-year, $165 million contract extension, ensuring his presence in L.A. through at least the 2027-28 season, with a player option for 2028-29. By locking in Dončić`s commitment before his EuroBasket departure, the Lakers are now more comfortable strategizing further roster upgrades, free from the immediate risk of losing their star.
As they explore potential trade targets across the league, Marc Stein reports that Miami`s Andrew Wiggins could be of strong interest to the Lakers if the Heat decide to make him available. Stein indicates the Lakers are looking for a two-way wing and are less concerned about acquiring contracts extending beyond next season, given Dončić`s extension. Wiggins, who holds a $30.2 million player option for next season, has a proven track record as a capable starting wing for a championship team, having been instrumental in Golden State`s 2022 title run.
The Heat, potentially aiming for financial flexibility following Jimmy Butler`s exit, might see trading Wiggins as a viable solution. There are several financial avenues for the Lakers to facilitate a Wiggins trade, depending on Miami`s desired return. If the Heat`s primary motivation for trading Wiggins is cap relief, the Lakers could propose a package including Maxi Kleber and former Heat guard Gabe Vincent, both on expiring contracts valued around $11 million next season, along with Dalton Knecht as a relatively inexpensive young talent. Vincent and Kleber`s combined $22.5 million in salary would clear off Miami`s books next summer, providing significant cap space. While this would increase the Lakers` tax bill, they would remain below the first apron hard cap for the upcoming season without significantly impacting their current rotation.
Alternatively, if the Heat seek both future cap relief and a chance to contend in the East this season, they might push for Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura`s inclusion. Reaves is almost certainly off-limits given Los Angeles` high regard for the young guard. However, Hachimura, on an $18 million expiring contract, could be a more plausible option, especially if the Lakers view Wiggins as an upgrade or don`t foresee retaining Hachimura next summer. A trade involving Hachimura and Kleber (or Vincent) would be financially feasible, allowing Miami to shed over $29 million from their payroll next season. This would require the Lakers to part with a key rotational piece, but it presents another strategic avenue.
For years, the Lakers have been cautious about committing long-term money and future draft picks to immediate roster upgrades, a stance that often frustrated LeBron James. With Dončić now secured for the foreseeable future, the perceived risk of such moves is reduced, as their baseline performance will remain high with the Slovenian superstar. This newfound flexibility allows them to make strategic gambles to maximize their current talent and actively participate in the trade market for quality veterans like Wiggins.
