The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively pursuing Andrew Wiggins as their next trade target to address the 3-and-D wing void left by Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure. However, recent reports indicate that the trade talks between the Lakers and the Miami Heat have hit a roadblock. Lakers insider Jovan Buha revealed that the Heat are unwilling to lower their asking price for Wiggins.
According to the latest reports, the Heat have requested a package including Dalton Knecht, a first-round pick, and Lakers forward Rui Hachimura in exchange for Wiggins. The Lakers, on the other hand, are hesitant to proceed with the deal due to the inclusion of Hachimura, who has been a reliable forward for the team since he joined in 2023. Hachimura signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract with the Lakers and is set to enter the third year of his contract next season.
Given Hachimura’s value to the Lakers and Wiggins’ regression since winning a championship with the Warriors in 2022, trading away Hachimura for Wiggins may not be the wisest decision for the Lakers at this point. However, the Lakers have recently addressed their big-man issue by signing DeAndre Ayton after he bought out his contract with the Blazers, filling a crucial gap in their roster.
As the Lakers continue to seek a 3-and-D player to complete their roster, fans will have to wait and see how the situation unfolds. In a surprising turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard, presenting an opportunity for the Lakers to potentially add another offensive powerhouse to their lineup alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. While there is no official confirmation of the Lakers pursuing Lillard, the move could significantly bolster their offense, especially in postseason runs.
Despite Lillard currently undergoing rehab for a torn Achilles tendon, his addition to the Lakers roster could provide a reliable scoring option and elevate the team’s performance in crucial moments. While Lillard may not fit the 3-and-D player profile, his offensive prowess could make him a valuable asset for the Lakers in key games.
In conclusion, the Lakers are actively exploring potential trade options to strengthen their roster, with both Wiggins and Lillard emerging as potential targets. As the team continues to make moves in the offseason, fans can expect an exciting and competitive lineup for the upcoming season.
