The Lakers’ search for a two-way wing continues, and one name that seems to keep popping up is Andrew Wiggins. He has been linked to Los Angeles since last season, and their interest in the Miami forward hasn’t diminished one bit.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Lakers are monitoring the Heat’s situation closely in case Miami becomes willing to move the 29-year-old former All-Star. When you look at what he brings — size, defense, shooting, and championship pedigree — the fit becomes almost too obvious to ignore.
Proposed Trade
Lakers receive:
- Andrew Wiggins
Heat receive:
- Rui Hachimura
- Gabe Vincent
- 2 round draft pick
This gives Miami two rotation-ready players, 2 expiring contracts, draft capital, and Wiggins’ contract off their books. The Lakers keep their first-round picks, maintain flexibility, and upgrade the wing spot.
Why Wiggins Fits Perfectly
Wiggins is no longer an All-Star, but he’s the perfect fifth starter for the Lakers. This was a role he excelled in on Golden State’s 2022 championship team. That version of Wiggins defended top wings, shot nearly 40% from three, rebounded above his position, and stepped into pressure moments without hijacking the offense.
This season with Miami, he’s posting roughly 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and shooting 36.5% from three through his first 15 games. For the Lakers, who desperately need a wing who can play both ends without needing the ball, those numbers are gold.
He’s also 6-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, giving the Lakers something they don’t currently have: a starter who can defend the league’s bigger scorers without forcing LeBron into tough defensive assignments. The Lakers’ defensive ceiling skyrockets simply by having a real perimeter stopper who thrives next to stars.
Big Impact, Low Usage
Wiggins doesn’t need touches, doesn’t need plays called for him, and doesn’t need rhythm to defend. He fits perfectly next to a high-usage star like Luka, gives Reaves defensive help on the perimeter, and lets LeBron take the easier forward matchup. He also gives Ayton a mobile, switch-capable wing behind him in pick-and-roll coverage.
On offense? Wiggins is the ideal release valve. Catch-and-shoot threes, back-door cuts, transition scoring, offensive rebounding — all the things a fifth starter should do at a high level. He has already mastered that role on a championship team, and that matters. Championship experience isn’t just a talking point — it’s a skill set, and Wiggins has it.
The Bottom Line
If Miami opens the door, the Lakers should be the first team knocking. Wiggins gives them size, skill, playoff experience, and the exact fifth-starter archetype every contender dreams of.
He’s not a star, but he could be the missing puzzle piece that transforms the Lakers into a legit contender.
