In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers, long thought to be playing the long game with their roster, have reportedly shifted gears. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers are now open to pursuing significant contracts that extend beyond the 2025-26 season, a stark departure from their previous strategy of avoiding multi-year deals. With Luka Dončić cemented as the franchise’s cornerstone, the Lakers are no longer content to wait two summers to pair him with an elite co-star. Instead, they’re ready to strike now, and their sights are set on a former No. 1 overall pick and Golden State Warriors champion: Andrew Wiggins.
For months, reports suggested the Lakers were focused on building a sustainable roster around Dončić, prioritizing financial flexibility over immediate blockbuster moves. With two top-15 players already on the roster, the team seemed just a piece or two away from true Finals contention. However, adding big contracts that stretched into future seasons was considered off the table—until now.
Marc Stein recently revealed that the Lakers’ stance has “thawed somewhat,” signaling their willingness to explore trades for high-impact players. “I don’t think that means they’ll swing a deal for just anyone between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline,” Stein noted, “but league sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling.” And the name at the top of their list? Andrew Wiggins, the 30-year-old former Warrior who helped Golden State secure an NBA title in 2022.
Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, has never quite lived up to the lofty expectations of a top selection, earning just one All-Star nod in his career. Yet, his value as a two-way wing makes him an intriguing target for a Lakers team looking to bolster its roster. With career averages of 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and a steal per game, while shooting 36% from three-point range, Wiggins brings a proven track record of consistent production.
More importantly, it’s his ability to impact both ends of the floor that elevates his appeal. During the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, Wiggins was a critical piece, showcasing his defensive prowess and offensive versatility. His standout performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $109 million contract from Golden State, a deal that includes a $28.2 million salary for the 2025-26 season and a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27.
While Wiggins may not match LeBron James’ transcendent talent, his skill set makes him a compelling candidate to step into a significant role for the Lakers, potentially as a long-term replacement for the aging superstar. At 30 years old, Wiggins is in the prime of his career and brings a similar two-way versatility that James has long provided. His ability to guard multiple positions, score efficiently, and contribute in clutch moments could make him a cornerstone for the Lakers’ future, especially if LeBron’s tenure winds down after the 2025-26 season.
Moreover, Wiggins’ contract, while substantial, is far more cost-effective than James’ current deal, offering the Lakers a way to maintain competitiveness without breaking the bank. If the Miami Heat, Wiggins’ current team, prioritize financial flexibility in the coming months, Stein suggests the Lakers would be ready to pounce, capitalizing on the opportunity to add a proven talent to their roster.
The potential acquisition of Wiggins represents more than just a roster upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. The Lakers are no longer content to wait for the perfect moment to build a championship contender around Dončić. By targeting a player of Wiggins’ caliber, they’re signaling their readiness to compete at the highest level now, while also laying the groundwork for a post-LeBron era.
As the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if they can pull off a deal for the Warriors’ former “Golden Piece.” If successful, Wiggins could be the spark that propels the Lakers back to the NBA’s elite, bridging the gap between their storied past and a bold, new future.