With Luka Dončic and LeBron James at the centre, the Los Angeles Lakers have one goal in mind as the 2025-26 season approaches — another shot at a title. Of course, with another campaign right around the corner, the team might not be done with moving around players just yet. Considering their current attack and roster depth, the Lakers could be looking to sign a real two-way wing who can make it easier for James and Dončic. After all, the team needs someone who can score while continuing to defend players.
Can the Los Angeles Lakers Pull Off an Eight-Team Trade?
This offseason, the NBA pulled off a historic seven-team trade to send Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale takes the idea to another level, suggesting an eight-trade deal that sends Miami Heat star Andrew Wiggins to LA. Apart from the Lakers, the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets, the Charlotte Hornets, the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Utah Jazz are suggested to be a part of the trade.
The Lakers’ focus, of course, was landing Wiggins — currently signed to a four-year, $109,000,002 deal. While teams like the Heat received multiple players and picks, the Lakers received a shorter selection of players: Andrew Wiggins (via the Heat), Haywood Highsmith (via the Nets), and AJ Green (via the Bucks).
That being said, the Lakers — to manage money and to afford incoming paychecks — will have to part ways with Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, a 2031 first-round pick, a 2032 second-round pick, their draft rights to Louis Labeyrie, and $1.7 million cash to the Hornets.
The Heat receive Hachimura and Vanderbilt, while the Jazz receive Vincent.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers could be interested in Wiggins despite his high salary. And if one truly considers a multi-team trade, the Lakers could afford Wiggins without moving around a large chunk of their roster depth.
Now, Wiggins — a capable playmaker — will only fill the gap Hachimura leaves, if not making it better. He’ll be helping with premier defense, ultimately doing the job the Lakers want him to do: play a two-way wing while reducing pressure on Dončic and James.
“Wiggins’ arrival helps offset the deadeye shooting Los Angeles loses in Hachimura and fortifies the perimeter defense,” Favale wrote. Wiggins averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field during his one season with the Heat.
In a recent podcast episode, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha spoke about the Lakers and Wiggins, describing him as a player they need alongside James and Dončic:
“If the Lakers were to get Andrew Wiggins, or a player of that ilk, a player of that archetype–I think that’s the ideal player to put besides Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.”
Many have seen the link-up as positive, only heightening the chances of a deep playoff run with Dončic at the helm of it.
Haywood Highsmith and AJ Green Sweeten the Deal for the Lakers
Furthermore, Highsmith and Green will also be assets to the Lakers. Though Highsmith is recovering from meniscus surgery, it’s a win-win for the Lakers. If everything works out, they have another capable win for the playoffs. Green, on the other hand, could be the underrated bag. He can shoot three-pointers as necessary, making a strong case as an offensive player.
“Finally, Los Angeles exits this transaction saving enough money to be more flexible in future trades and a heartbeat away from skirting the luxury tax–all without knifing into what could be plans to wield bonkers amounts of cap space in 2027,” Favale added in the end.
Saving $5,189,886, an eight-team trade to finally land the player they want could only benefit the Lakers. Losing Vanderbilt’s three-year, $37.3 million contract is also an additional bonus. Additionally, landing Wiggins without shedding money might be near impossible for the Lakers. With the 2025-26 season fast approaching and training camp right around the corner, one will have to wait and see if the Lakers finally make a move to land Wiggins.
