Andrew Wiggins could be a target for the Los Angeles Lakers
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Andrew Wiggins could be a target for the Los Angeles Lakers
After a busy summer of retooling the roster, it would appear the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t done. Adding a two-way wing may be the next move Rob Pelinka looks to make, assuming the right opportunity becomes available.
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Luka Doncic‘s decision to sign a multi-year extension with the Lakers has allowed them to become more aggressive in their team building. They’re not as tentative about taking back long-term salary now they know Doncic will still be around.
“While the Lakers had resisted scenarios in which the team would take on contracts that lasted beyond the 2025-26 season earlier this summer, Dončić’s multi-year commitment has nudged LA’s priorities in more aggressive directions,” Woike reported.
As such, Andrew Wiggins has become a common name to be linked with the Lakers. He was shipped to the Miami Heat midway through last season, as part of the deal that landed Jimmy Butler with the Golden State Warriors.
“One area the team is focused on is upgrading the wing, where it needs more two-way talent,” Woike wrote. “A player like Miami’s Andrew Wiggins, whom the Lakers weren’t interested in earlier this summer, is now a more desirable player, provided the price is right. Wiggins, who turns 31 in February, is due $28.2 million this year and has a player option for $30.1 million for 2026-27. Marc Stein linked the Lakers and Wiggins in his newsletter earlier this week.”
Wiggins would be a welcome addition to the Lakers’ rotation. His ability to guard multiple positions and spread the floor would certainly improve JJ Redick’s roster.
Wiggins Could Raise The Lakers Ceiling
According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, writing in a recent edition of “The Stein Line Newsletter,” the Lakers would have interest in acquiring a talented forward capable of improving the current rotation. Wiggins is the most logical and potentially available target.
“League sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling,” Stein wrote. “My read (if Miami were to make him available): Andrew Wiggins.”
Wiggins played a key role in the Warriors’ run to the 2022 NBA championship. Without his defense, the Warriors wouldn’t have lifted the fourth banner in the Stephen Curry era. Furthermore, the Lakers would be pairing Wiggins with Marcus Smart. The defensive versatility that veteran pairing could provide would be enticing.
Haywood Highsmith Could be Another Lakers Target
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, Haywood Highsmith could be a cheaper alternative to Wiggins.
“Haywood Highsmith is a good name to drop here, too,” Irwin said on the Sept. 8 episode of The Lakers Lounge podcast. “Brooklyn is stockpiling assets and eventually they may be open for business. If Wiggins costs an arm and a leg, does it make more sense to bring in Highsmith for a fraction of the cost? That could be something the Lakers consider, or do they try to bring in both? There is no such thing as too much wing depth in the modern NBA.”
Highsmith was recently traded to the Brooklyn Nets. However, if the Lakers put together an enticing package, he would likely be available via trade. Of course, Pelinka will likely target Wiggins first. He’s a proven commodity in the postseason.
If Pelinka does strike out on Wiggins, Highsmith would certainly be a reasonable backup option to pursue.