The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a significant setback with Austin Reaves sidelined for at least the next month due to a groin strain, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday. Reaves has been one of the league’s most improved young shot creators, averaging 18+ points while providing secondary playmaking and clutch scoring. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the Lakers’ offense, which already ranks as the seventh-worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA.
Andrew Wiggins
Head coach JJ Redick’s recent public frustration with the team’s effort and execution only underscores the urgency. The Lakers sit at 19-10—solid but far from dominant—and Reaves’ injury could push them from playoff contenders to bubble team if not addressed.
Enter a familiar name from last summer’s rumor mill: Andrew Wiggins.
The 30-year-old wing, now with the Miami Heat after being acquired in February, was reportedly the subject of trade discussions between the Lakers and Heat last offseason. Those talks never materialized, but with Reaves out and Miami dealing with their own injury woes (Tyler Herro missing his 26th game Saturday, Bam Adebayo out for his 8th), the door could reopen.
Wiggins is averaging 15.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this season on 47.1% field goal shooting, 37.9% from three, and 71.4% from the line. He’s streaky at times with his shot and decision-making, but he’s a reliable two-way wing who can defend multiple positions, crash the glass, and space the floor. Unlike Reaves (a below-average defender), Wiggins brings elite perimeter defense and versatility—exactly what the Lakers need to stabilize their backcourt and wing rotation.
Miami, hard-capped at the first apron ($7.1M below), has been hit hard by injuries, but Wiggins is in the final year of his deal and could be a valuable trade chip if they fall out of contention. The Lakers, also apron-bound ($1.1M below), face salary-matching challenges. Any deal would likely require a third team or creative structuring, as LA’s trade assets (beyond their lone tradable 2031 first-round pick) are limited and unappealing.
Still, the timing is intriguing. Both teams are desperate for different reasons: Miami needs depth amid injuries, while the Lakers need immediate two-way help. A package centered on expiring contracts, young pieces like Max Christie or Dalton Knecht, and that 2031 pick could theoretically work.
This remains speculative—there are no current reports of active talks—but the Lakers’ recent struggles and Reaves’ extended absence make it plausible that GM Rob Pelinka revisits past interest in Wiggins. With the trade deadline (February 5) approaching, desperate teams often make bold moves.
Lakers Nation, keep an eye on this one. A Wiggins reunion with his former team could provide the defensive stability and spacing LA desperately needs. If it happens, it might just save their season.