The Lakers, buoyed by Luka Doncic's new three-year extension, are now exploring roster upgrades—particularly on the wing with players like Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins.
After locking up superstar Luka Doncic to a three-year, $165 million contract extension this past summer, the Los Angeles Lakers are now open to further upgrading their roster for the 2025-26 season.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic
Position: PG, SG
Age: 26
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 104 kg
Birth place: Ljubljana, Slovenia
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers' approach to roster improvements has shifted with this new chapter in mind.
Earlier in the summer, the team had resisted taking on contracts that extended beyond the 2025-26 season. But Luka's multi-year commitment has nudged LA toward a more aggressive strategy, according to the same report.
One area of focus is upgrading the wing, where the team is seeking more two-way talent. Players like Miami's Andrew Wiggins, whom the Lakers weren't interested in earlier this summer, are now more appealing—provided the price is right.
Wiggins, who turns 31 in February, is due $28.2 million this season and holds a player option for $30.1 million in 2026-27. Earlier this week, well-known NBA insider Marc Stein linked Wiggins to the L.A. Lakers.
Last season, the Canadian wing averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over 60 games between the Heat and the Warriors.
Credit ATP – Scanpix
The Lakers still value their lone tradeable first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032, as a piece for a larger move down the line.
However, they do have a mix of expiring contracts and former first-round pick Dalton Knecht that could be packaged together if another team wants to shed salary.
This offseason, the Lakers have added center Deandre Ayton, wing Jake LaRavia, and guard Marcus Smart.
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