Recently, according to the latest report of well-known reporter Dan Woike: The Lakers are working hard to find a forward player with both offense and defense in the market, and the Heat's Andrew Wiggins regards the most ideal trading target. They hope to build a future lineup around Luca Doncic.
The Lakers have been extremely cautious in the trading market over the past few months and are reluctant to accept any long-term contracts beyond the 2025-2026 season.
But as Doncic promises the future with a contract renewal, the Lakers' management's position has changed significantly. They no longer limit themselves to short-term contracts and start targeting players with more long-term value.
Wigkins is the perfect embodiment of this strategic change. The 30-year-old striker can not only help the team compete for the championship at the moment, but also become an important part of the "post-James era".
Wigkins' performance last season proved that he remains one of the best forwards in the league. After joining the Heat, he averaged 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 45.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 36%.
Wigkins is 2.03 meters tall, has excellent athleticism and lateral movement speed, and is able to defend from No. 1 to No. 4, which is the defensive diversity that the Lakers need much.
On the offensive end, he can not only complete an empty cut as the third scoring point, but also break through with the ball to create damage, and the mid-range jump shot is stable. This characteristic of not taking the ball and being efficient makes him an ideal partner for James and Doncic.
Although the Lakers are very interested, the deal faces real obstacles. Heat team reporter Wes Goldberg made it clear: "The Heat will not use Wiggins to exchange for Kneckett and some players who have paid a salary."
The Heat did not actively peddle Wiggins, especially after Highsmith left, they lacked a suitable replacement on the front line. The Heat also want to see how Wiggins can perform in the new season.
Previous news said that the Heat had asked the Lakers to take out chips for Hachimura, Kneckert, and one first-round pick, otherwise two first-round picks would be required. Such a asking price is obviously too high for the Lakers.
The Lakers are also unwilling to give up their first-round picks in 2031 or 2032 for Wiggins. These forward draft assets may be reserved for the next superstar in their opinion.
Wigkins' contract situation is also an important factor to consider in transactions: the contract has two years left, with a total value of about $58.4 million! Salary for the 2025-26 season is $28.2 million, and for the 2026-27 season is $30.17 million (player option). Such a contract size means that the Lakers need to match a considerable salary to complete the deal.
For the Lakers, Wiggins' age and positioning happen to be James' "successor". James is already 40 years old and the probability of leaving the Lakers next summer is high.
Wigkins does not possess the ball, has an efficient playing style and a low-key personality. He can not only assist James in the current championship, but also take over the team's wings in the future and assist Doncic.
As Stein said: "Wigkins' championship bloodline and immediate combat power are the key puzzles for the Lakers to reach the top of the West."
Heat team reporter Wes Goldberg has poured cold water on it: "The Heat won't trade Wiggins for Kneckett and salary to fill players... The Lakers won't give up the first round pick in 2031 or 2032 for Wiggins."
The deal is reached whether Riley is willing to lower the asking price and whether the Lakers are willing to take out those precious future assets.
