The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a team with interest in Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, according to league insider Marc Stein. Wiggins, 30, is entering the 2025-26 season with a salary of $28.2 million and holds a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. While the former All-Star was not previously viewed as a likely target for the purple and gold, recent shifts around the league have changed the calculus.
Wiggins’ name has surfaced in trade speculation before, but the dynamic has evolved now that Luka Dončić’s long-term future in Dallas is secure. With the Mavericks more stable, Stein suggests that the Lakers could explore wing options like Wiggins, especially if Miami looks to offload salary for financial flexibility. The Heat have several high-priced contracts on the books, and decisions in the coming weeks or months may determine whether they attempt to reduce payroll in preparation for future roster moves.
For the Lakers, the need for a two-way wing has been evident for multiple seasons. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the cornerstone pieces, Los Angeles has often lacked consistent perimeter defense and reliable wing scoring in high-pressure playoff environments. Wiggins, who played a vital role in Golden State’s 2022 championship run, is regarded as one of the league’s more versatile defenders when engaged, with the ability to guard multiple positions and provide secondary scoring.
There are challenges, however. Wiggins has struggled with consistency in recent years, both in performance and availability. His offensive production dipped last season, and questions remain about whether he can recapture the elite two-way impact he displayed during Golden State’s title run. Additionally, his contract poses a complication for the Lakers, who are already near the top of the salary cap and luxury tax thresholds. Any deal would likely require moving significant salary back to make the math work.
Still, the Lakers’ front office has shown a willingness to pursue aggressive moves if it means surrounding James and Davis with the right complementary pieces. Wiggins’ combination of size, defense, and playoff experience makes him an intriguing fit, particularly in matchups against Western Conference powers that feature elite wings.
If Miami does look to move on from Wiggins in pursuit of cap flexibility, the Lakers are expected to at least explore the possibility. With the season approaching and trade chatter slowly building, Los Angeles remains a team to watch as they evaluate how to maximize the remaining championship window of their superstar duo.
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