The Los Angeles Lakers are looking like legitimate contenders this season. Ever since the arrival of Luka Dončić last season, the Lakers’ lineup has arguably strengthened.
Dončić’s all-around style of play helped bolster the team’s efficiency on the offensive end of the court.
NBA Insider Predicts Lakers Will Let Go of Veteran Wing
While there’s no denying that the Lakers are now a strong offensive team, their defense has been lacking since the departure of Anthony Davis. They may have big men like Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, but their defense isn’t up to par with what Davis used to provide.
With that said, it seems that the Lakers might be willing to let go of one of their core players in exchange for a defensive $109,000,002 star before the trade deadline.
Rui Hachimura has suited up for the Lakers for four seasons now. He has evolved into a starter and is seen as an important asset to the team. However, there can be some inconsistencies in his game.
As of the 2025-26 season, Rui’s primary role is to be prepared to take a shot when he gets the ball. Other than that, he doesn’t really contribute much on the defensive end of the court.
Going into Jan. 12 action, Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. With that in mind, the Lakers would want to get someone who can provide on both ends of the floor.
According to a prediction made by NBA insider Dan Woike, the Lakers could give up Hachimura in exchange for Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins. In addition to Hachimura, the Lakers are also predicted to let go of Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and a 2032 first-round pick to sweeten the deal.
“If we’re speaking in a technical sense, the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick is probably their most valuable trade asset,” Woike wrote.
“However, trading that pick would lock the team’s ability to trade the 2031 pick now, and the 2033 pick this summer,” Woike continued. “So, yeah, the 2032 pick probably isn’t going anywhere. With (Andrew) Wiggins, I don’t know if he’s really available or if he’s worth it at this price point. Again, would adding Wiggins make the Lakers so much better that they’d decide to ignore their plans?”
“I think the Lakers’ front office could convince itself that Wiggins is an athletic upgrade, and for what the team would lose in shooting, it would gain back in on-ball defense,” Woike continued. “But Wiggins has never been quite the defender people thought he’d be in the league.”
Heat/Lakers Trade idea via @TheAthletic
Lakers get: Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat get: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick. https://t.co/VA0EJ3UPEI pic.twitter.com/MAYVjeBJ4o
— Dru (@dru_star) January 12, 2026
It’s worth noting that there are currently no talks between the Lakers and Heat. Readers should take this information with a grain of salt.
However, acquiring Wiggins wouldn’t be so bad for LA, given he’s averaging 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks — a good balance between offense and defense, which the Lakers desperately need.
