A new report suggests the Los Angeles Lakers may have softened on their recent stance of not adding big contracts that go beyond this season. And they could target one particular former star from a conference rival as a potential LeBron James replacement.
While the Lakers have a pair of top 15 players on the roster and don't seem far off from being a Finals contender, various reports have stated in recent months that they are not looking to make big moves this season.
With Luka Doncic as the new face of the franchise, they want to build a long-term roster around him and don't want to add multi-year deals in pursuit of a title now. Instead, they hope to add an elite player to team with him in two summers. Well, that may no longer be the case, according to NBA insider Marc Stein .
"The Lakers' reluctance in the early stages of the offseason to consider trades for contracts that stretch beyond the 2025-26 season has thawed somewhat. I don't think that means they'll swing a deal for just anyone between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but league sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling."
Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
So if the Lakers have interest in a two-way wing, who could that player be? Well, Stein actually had an answer for that, and it happens to be a former No. 1 overall pick who was a key player on the Golden State Warriors ' title team a few seasons ago.
"Andrew 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."
Although Wiggins has only been an All-Star once and never reached the potential of being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, however, he has been an impact player wherever he has played. For his career, he has averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, a steal, and is shooting 36% from three. He is a good player.
But it is his ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball that gives him unique value. That two-way talent was key in the Warriors' Finals win in 2023, and why he got a huge four-year, $109 million deal from Golden State after their title win.
Wiggins would be a very nice addition for the Lakers at some point over the next six months. But at 30 and with another year on his deal, he could potentially be a replacement option for LeBron James in 2026-27. While he is not as good, he brings similar skills and would be far cheaper for one season.
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