By Sunday 
A Desperate Gamble in a Stacked West
The Lakers aren’t waiting around.
After pulling off one of the most stunning trades in recent NBA memory to bring Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, the front office isn’t showing signs of slowing down. But with all that star power comes a harsh reality: depth wins in the playoffs, and the Lakers are short on it.
Enter Andrew Wiggins — or at least the version of him that Lakers insider Jovan Buha thinks might fix their glaring wing deficiency. On his latest podcast, Buha floated a trade proposal that raised more than a few eyebrows:
Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 unprotected first-round pick
It’s a lot to give up. But in Buha’s eyes? It’s the cost of staying in the mix.
“I Think It’s an Overpay… But What Else Is Out There?”
Buha pulled no punches:
“I think Andrew Wiggins is an overpay, but, like, what else is out there that I could potentially get with that package?”
And he has a point. There just aren’t many two-way wings available who can knock down a three and credibly guard a star player. That’s the Wiggins blueprint — at least, when he’s healthy and engaged. Despite some inconsistent years, he’s still capable of putting up solid numbers and bringing real defensive grit.
Last season with Miami, Wiggins averaged 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and shot 36% from three. Not eye-popping, but exactly the kind of production the Lakers need from a fifth starter.
What the Lakers Are Giving Up
But this isn’t a free lunch. Rui Hachimura, despite flying under the radar, quietly had one of the most efficient seasons of any forward in the league — 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and over 41% from three. He’s only 26 and plays well next to stars.
Dalton Knecht, a rookie sharpshooter, has been heating up, averaging 9.1 points off the bench and bringing energy and spacing.
And then there’s the 2031 first-round pick — unprotected. That could be a massive asset down the line, especially if the Lakers’ current window slams shut post-LeBron.
Wiggins the Missing Piece — Or More Risk?
So why take the risk?
The Lakers are boxed in. After adding Dončić and Ayton, and missing out on centers like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela, LA has few cards left to play. They’re out of cap flexibility, low on tradeable picks, and facing a Western Conference filled with monsters.
Wiggins slots in perfectly — literally. He’d start at the 3, allowing LeBron to shift to the 4 and save energy. He brings size, experience, and the kind of defensive switchability that actually matters in May and June.
If — and it’s a big if — Wiggins stays healthy, this could be a stabilizing, not a splashy, move. A survival trade, not a luxury one.
Paying the Lakers Tax
One major subplot here: rival execs know the Lakers are cornered. That’s why trades like this one feel inflated. It’s what many around the league call the “Lakers Tax.” When you’re a glamour team with two top-10 players and a shrinking timeline, GMs ask for more.
Add in the fact that Miami is known for being ruthless in trade talks, and it’s no surprise this deal feels steep. The Heat, who only just acquired Wiggins from the Warriors, wouldn’t be giving him up unless they believed they were fleecing someone — or flipping for future value.
Final Word: Necessary or Naïve?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is a risky trade. It’s giving up present depth and future value for a player who hasn’t been the same since 2022.
But maybe that’s the price of competing when you’re already pot-committed. The Lakers have to act. Doing nothing could be worse.
Wiggins probably won’t make the Lakers favorites. But if he balances the rotation and takes pressure off Luka and LeBron, it may just be the kind of unglamorous deal that wins close playoff games.
The only question now: Will the Lakers pull the trigger?