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LA Lakers’ stance on trade target is clear, ‘confident’ insider drops ‘hard to believe’ verdict on LeBron James
Credit: Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

After making a few moves at the start of the NBA free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers have cooled off.

As a result, this has led Los Angeles Lakers fans to believe that the organization may have already decided to compete in the 2025-26 NBA season with their current roster.

While the Lakers have landed an elite center in Deandre Ayton, it’s safe to assume that the team is still in need of a wing player.

Miami Heat star Andrew Wiggins was viewed as a prime trade candidate for the Lakers, but is that still the case?

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Insider says Andrew Wiggins ‘no longer a possibility’ for LA Lakers

After getting traded to the Heat last season, Wiggins had an impressive stretch with the organization. Wiggins’ solid three-point shooting and defense made him a perfect target for the Lakers.

However, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Lakers are no longer pursuing Wiggins. But does that mean that the team is set for the season? No.

“The roster they have now won’t be their opening night roster, and I feel pretty confident saying that,” Siegel wrote on X. “We talked about them pursuing a big before signing Ayton, but they’ve been hunting 3-and-D production on the wing.”

He added: “Andrew Wiggins is no longer a possibility.”

With the Lakers reportedly no longer chasing Wiggins, it will be interesting to see which player they target. There are still multiple options available on the open market, including De’Anthony Melton.

Brett Siegel says LA Lakers haven’t held trade talks involving LeBron James

Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

Aside from improving the roster with a blockbuster trade, the Lakers are also dealing with a complicated situation around LeBron James since the 40-year-old opted into his $52.6 million player option.

James and the Lakers are reportedly no longer on the same page. While James has essentially denied the trade rumors about him, new reports continue to surface.

Speaking of which, Siegel recently provided an update on James’ stance on potentially requesting a trade away from LA.

“I mean, he could ultimately ask out, but I find it very, very hard to believe he will. That’s been the sense from everyone I’ve spoken with too, in Vegas.

“No LeBron trade is imminent. Lakers haven’t even held trade talks involving him,” Siegel stated.

Siegel’s latest report suggests that James will return to the Lakers, at least for the 2025-26 NBA season as the team will aim to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy next summer.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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