The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise always hunting for that next big move, may be gearing up for another shakeup—this time involving Golden State Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins. According to Anthony Irwin, the Lakers have reportedly checked in with the Miami Heat to gauge what they’d want in return for Wiggins, setting off a wave of speculation that could turn the league on its head. The idea of Wiggins wearing the purple and gold wasn’t even a blip on the radar just a few weeks ago, but now it has entered the conversation as a potential domino in what could be one of the more surprising trade periods in recent memory.
First, there’s the simple intrigue of why the Heat would be involved at all in a Wiggins deal. Wiggins is currently under contract with Golden State, and while there have been whispers that the Warriors might look to retool around Steph Curry, especially after a disappointing 2024 season, the idea that Miami would act as a third-party facilitator introduces an entirely new dimension to the rumor mill. Could the Heat be helping broker a three-team deal that sees Wiggins land in Los Angeles, someone like Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson rerouted, and the Warriors acquiring draft capital or youth to reload? Or is there a deeper strategy here that the public isn’t yet privy to?
For the Lakers, acquiring Andrew Wiggins would be a bold but calculated swing. Wiggins, a former No. 1 overall pick, has seen the highs and lows of NBA stardom. From his early days in Minnesota, where he was labeled inconsistent and defensively indifferent, to his transformation with the Warriors, where he became a crucial two-way piece during their 2022 title run, Wiggins has rewritten much of the narrative surrounding his game. He’s no longer just a volume scorer. He’s now viewed as a capable defender, solid rebounder, and a player who can shine without dominating the ball—exactly the type of versatile wing the Lakers have sorely needed alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The question, of course, is what the Lakers would need to give up. Their asset pool is limited, especially after the ambitious trade maneuvers of recent seasons. The Lakers have some future draft picks they could dangle, but not a treasure trove. They have young players like Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and possibly Austin Reaves if they were willing to get really aggressive—though Reaves would likely be a nonstarter unless it guaranteed a transformative return. Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell could be included for salary-matching purposes, depending on the construction of the deal. But even if they’re just checking in at this stage, the fact that conversations are happening indicates something is brewing behind the scenes.
Wiggins’ fit on the Lakers is hard to ignore. He offers length, athleticism, perimeter defense, and the ability to knock down open shots—all of which complement the existing core. More importantly, he could help reduce the defensive burden on LeBron, who at 40 years old, simply can’t be expected to lock down opposing wings for extended stretches anymore. Wiggins could also thrive in a role where he’s asked to focus on defense and cutting while letting LeBron and AD command most of the offense. This is not to say he wouldn’t get touches—he’s a proven scorer—but his ability to adapt and play off the ball makes him a very appealing piece for a win-now team like the Lakers.
Of course, nothing is ever simple in the NBA, especially when it comes to trades involving stars, former stars, and massive contracts. Wiggins is on a deal that pays him over $26 million annually through the 2026-27 season. That kind of financial commitment is significant, especially for a Lakers team that already has hefty salaries tied up in LeBron and AD and is always flirting with luxury tax thresholds. That said, the new CBA makes it harder than ever to acquire talent midseason unless the numbers align perfectly. Wiggins’ contract, while substantial, might actually be more movable than some expect—especially if Golden State or Miami is willing to absorb a piece in return to facilitate a bigger play.
There’s also the narrative angle. Wiggins in Los Angeles would be a major story. After years of being considered a disappointment in Minnesota, he reshaped his image in Golden State, won a title, and earned league-wide respect. Moving to the Lakers would offer him the biggest spotlight in sports and a chance to further solidify his legacy. Could he become the third piece that finally gets LeBron one more ring before retirement? Could he be the bridge between eras, a player who could thrive with LeBron now and help lead the team alongside AD later? It’s tantalizing to consider.
And for the Lakers, this kind of bold move fits their M.O. perfectly. This is a franchise that never waits for things to happen—they make things happen. From Kareem to Shaq, from Pau Gasol to LeBron, the Lakers have always been willing to take big swings in the pursuit of greatness. Wiggins might not carry the superstar weight of those names, but in today’s NBA, wings like him—long, athletic, capable on both ends—are gold. If Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office believe Wiggins can help elevate this team, especially in a Western Conference that remains wide open, they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
Let’s not forget the competitive context either. The Denver Nuggets are still a powerhouse, but cracks have begun to show. The Suns are volatile, the Warriors are aging, the Clippers are uncertain, and while teams like the Thunder and Timberwolves are rising, they’re still relatively unproven in the crucible of postseason basketball. A move for Wiggins could signal that the Lakers believe the 2025 title is within reach—especially with a reenergized LeBron and a healthy Davis anchoring the lineup.
It’s also worth noting that the Lakers’ interest in Wiggins might be a signal of broader strategic thinking. While names like Dejounte Murray, Buddy Hield, or even Klay Thompson have floated in the rumor mill, Wiggins brings a defensive presence that few of those players can match. If the Lakers are serious about becoming a top-tier defensive unit while keeping offensive firepower intact, then targeting a two-way player like Wiggins is more than just reasonable—it’s smart.
Of course, none of this guarantees a deal will happen. Trade season is fluid, and many “check-ins” never amount to anything. But this isn’t your average rumor. The fact that the Lakers are reportedly involving another team—especially one as active and aggressive as Miami—adds weight to the possibility. The pieces may be moving slowly for now, but the Lakers aren’t simply standing pat. They’re hunting.
The 2024–25 season could be LeBron James’ final campaign in the league. That alone raises the stakes. Every move the Lakers make from here on out will be scrutinized through the lens of legacy. LeBron wants to contend, the Lakers want to contend, and their fanbase demands nothing less. If Wiggins is viewed as the missing piece, or even just a pivotal one, expect the Lakers to continue pushing this conversation forward.
For now, this is just the beginning. But in the NBA, especially around the draft and free agency windows, beginnings can snowball into headlines overnight. If Andrew Wiggins ends up in Los Angeles, it will be because the Lakers saw a chance to strike and refused to let it pass them by. Whether or not this ends with a blockbuster remains to be seen—but with the Lakers involved, expect the unexpected.
