The Los Angeles Lakers need a center and wing defender if they plan to contend for the 2026 NBA championship with LeBron James and Luka Dončić. NBA insider Chris Haynes had recently hinted that the Lakers will soon sign a big-name center. Still, an integral spot for the wing defender remains.
The Lakers were considered the favorites to acquire Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, nothing has materialized so far. With Dorian Finney-Smith leaving the Lakers and agreeing to terms with the Houston Rockets for a four-year $53,000,000 contract, the demand for Wiggins is greater than ever.
Insider Shares Reason Why Lakers Couldn’t Get Andrew Wiggins From Heat
Bovada sportsbook had the Lakers as the favorites to land Wiggins, giving them plus-185 odds. Despite the viral rumors, the Heat and Lakers couldn’t agree. In Monday’s episode of the “Jovan Buha” podcast, the Lakers insider shared what happened.
“You know, there was some Wiggins buzz a few days ago, but I mean, I’ve heard the asking price for Miami was pretty high. You know, we’re talking basically everything or close to everything that the Lakers could offer from like a top-end asset standpoint. So I don’t think that is going to happen. I don’t think the Lakers are trading Rui, a first, and Dalton for Andrew Wiggins,” Buha said.
The insider said the Heat’s bold offer wasn’t realistic or fair. However, he noted that the Heat might be playing hardball and might soften their stance. Finney-Smith hadn’t left the Lakers then, and Buha claimed that his absence would increase the need for Wiggins.
In the recent episode of his podcast, a fan asked Buha whether the Lakers could get Wiggins. Unlike the previous day, the Lakers insider was less confident.
“At this point, anytime the Lakers are attached to someone, I just assume they’re not going to get them outside of maybe free agency. But like trade specific, how many times have they been attached to someone?” Buha said.
The insider pointed out that he had reported the potential acquisition of Myles Turner, Nic Claxton, and Walker Kessler, but nothing materialized. Nonetheless, he still believes that Wiggins is the best wing defender option for the Lakers.
“Realistically, looking at contracts, depth charts, it’s hard for me to see a realistic wing who’s better than Wiggins that could be had for what the Lakers realistically want to offer, especially if they don’t want to put Austin on the table,” Buva said.
Wiggins, the first pick of the 2014 NBA draft, achieved his best success with the Golden State Warriors in 2022, becoming a champion and an All-Star. In February, the Warriors sent him to the Heat in a five-team trade that got them Jimmy Butler.
Wiggins can guard multiple positions, potentially hiding Dončić’s perceived defensive weakness. It could also be helpful for James, who at 40, will likely hope not to get challenging defensive assignments. With the duo’s playmaking drawing defensive attention, Wiggins could effectively use his 3-point prowess.
The 30-year-old has already shown he could play second fiddle to superstars, like with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson at the Warriors.
