The Los Angeles Lakers should make the most of their time before the 2025-26 NBA season kicks off. So far, the team has strengthened their lineup by signing Jay Claravia and DeAndre Ayton from free agency. However, despite these additions, the Lakers still have room for improvement. With Dorian Finney-Smith now joining the Houston Rockets, the Lakers have a need for a strong perimeter defender.
Currently, Claravia serves as a replacement for Finney-Smith, but it’s uncertain if he can match Finney-Smith’s defensive impact. Therefore, acquiring another versatile wing player known for solid defense is a smart move for the Lakers. NBA insider Brett Siegel shared that the Lakers are actively seeking boundary/wing defensive players and hope to finalize a deal by the end of the month.
It appears the Lakers are focusing more on trades than free agency for these defensive upgrades. They have expiring contracts from Maxi Kleber ($11 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Rui Hachimura ($18.2 million) available for trade leverage. One ideal target seems to be Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins, a strong two-way player averaging 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season. The Lakers could potentially offer Austin Reeves in a trade to acquire Wiggins without losing much.
The Lakers remain interested in this deal, which could also aid Wiggins in fulfilling his ambitions alongside LeBron James. The biggest challenge, however, is Miami Heat President Pat Riley’s demand for a substantial return in any trade involving Wiggins.
Fan Take: This trade pursuit highlights the Lakers’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team focused on stout defense and versatility, which is crucial in today’s NBA. For basketball fans, landing a player like Andrew Wiggins could reinvigorate the Lakers’ title hopes and intensify competition in the Western Conference.
