Only a few months off a blockbuster midseason trade that delivered Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers are now doubling down on complementary pieces designed to fully leverage their superstar pairing of Doncic and LeBron James this summer. With LeBron locked in via a massive $52.6 million player option and Doncic approaching a mega extension this August, GM Rob Pelinka has pivoted fast.
Recent acquisitions underscore a clear mission. The re-signing of Jaxson Hayes as the recently acquired Deandre Ayton’s backup brings size and rim-running energy. Meanwhile, the sensational buyout capture of Ayton, formerly the No. 1 pick, secured a face-up center who can explode in pick-and-rolls with Doncic.
The signing of high-motor forward Jake LaRavia adds versatility, but the high-stakes decisions in the coming weeks will define the Lakers’ championship window. We have three more targets the Lakers must consider to bolster their depth chart: a shooter, a 3-and-D wing, and a new power forward.
Cam Whitmore
Mar 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) goes up for a dunk against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Cam Whitmore
Houston Rockets Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
A youthful scorer with high upside: Cam Whitmore, just 20, averaged 9.4 PPG and 3.0 RPG on 44.4% shooting during his 16.2 MPG last season with Houston. His season-high 34-point explosion versus the Lakers showcased his scoring bursts and deep shooting (7‑for‑12 from three). Importantly, his G-League stint saw him producing 19.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG in 28.8 MPG, so the young man can play.
From a stylistic view, Cam offers the Lakers a young, energy-driven 3-and-D wing who can grow alongside Luka and LeBron. His athleticism and positional size (6'7", 230 lbs) allow defensive versatility, even if his discipline needs some work. A pitch for Pelinka: swap Dalton Knecht and a future first for a low-cost asset with upside, electrifying corner lineups, and bolstering perimeter defense without giving up a core piece.
With Houston shopping Whitmore, L.A. can scoop up a rebuilding partner’s trade asset while projecting for next summer’s rotation. Don’t expect a ready-made star, but rather a lottery ticket for the paint-to-perimeter role the Lakers covet. A one-year audition, plug-and-play with championship DNA surrounding him.
Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter at Kaseya Center.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter at Kaseya Center.
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
In contrast, Andrew Wiggins brings veteran poise: a former #1 pick and 2022 champion, he logged 18.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.6 APG on .448 FG last season. With Miami, he averaged 19.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.3 APG in 32.1 MPG, shooting a reliable 36.0% from three. While not a lockdown defender, Wiggins consistently spaces the floor and contributes solid two-way capabilities.
Injecting Wiggins into the Lakers would immediately transform a borderline rotation player into a third-star wing, one with playoff grit. His contract, while heavy, would be offset by offloading Hachimura, Vanderbilt, and a 2031 first-rounder, a cost that could be recouped in deeper playoff runs. Plus, his Finals-hardened resume adds winning culture to a title-hunting locker room.
Stylistically, this trade reads like a win-now move: Wiggins brings spacing, veteran savvy, and proven playoff chops. The contrast with Cam Whitmore is stark, where Cam is upside, Wiggins is ready. Lakers fans should envision him as the missing third wheel to evenly space rotations, protect heavier wings, and create better early offense.
John Collins
Mar 10, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) reacts towards the official after a non call during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: John Collins
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
John Collins had a very solid year in Utah, posting 19.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.0 APG across 40 games, with elite efficiency, 52.7% FG, 39.9% 3PT, and 84.8% FT. A mismatch nightmare, his salary ($26.6M) makes the Jazz flexible trade partners.
If the Lakers send Hachimura, Vanderbilt, and a 2031 first, they’d land an interior spacing four who can bang inside and step out beyond the arc. This would allow LeBron to shift into a 5-and-4 death lineup with Luka orchestrating inside actions. Picture this: LeBron’s backside screens, Collins diving, and Luka hitting darting threes, modern versatility at its core.
The trade brings immediate frontcourt pop without mortgaging youth. Collins fits stylistically with L.A.’s trajectory, ticking two vital boxes: stretching the floor and absorbing contact. Plus, with his player option, either side can reassess next summer, keeping flexibility for future tweaks.
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