Lakers Insider Reveals Most Realistic Trade Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 1:52 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to add more firepower to their roster.

They signed Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton, but that might not be enough to compete at the highest level and bounce back after a first-round exit in J.J. Redick's first year in charge.

However, reports also show that they want to maintain some salary cap flexibility for next season, which is why they might not spend big bucks in free agency.

With that in mind, team insider Jovan Buha claimed that, given their recent interest and the current picture, Andrew Wiggins might be the most realistic trade target for Rob Pelinka:

“I think Wiggins is the best wing available, realistically with/ the Lakers' assets. I wouldn’t want to give up [Dalton] Knecht and a first for Wiggins—but I’d give up either one. If you could do Rui [Hachimura], Maxi [Kleber], and Knecht or Rui, Maxi & a first for Wiggins, I’d do either one of those trades,” Buha said.

“I think Wiggins is the best wing available realistically w/ the Lakers assets. I wouldn’t want to give up Knecht & a first for Wiggins—but I’d give up either one. If you could do Rui, Maxi & Knecht or Rui, Maxi & a first for Wiggins, I’d do either one of those trades” @jovanbuha https://t.co/8I5QsIEjy8 pic.twitter.com/klwSBUSaV7
— Dru (@dru_star) July 3, 2025

This isn't the first time that Buha has reported the Lakers' interest in acquiring the Miami Heat guard/forward.

Nevertheless, he also pointed out that they demanded Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round selection for the former NBA champion, and that's a non-starter for the Lakers.

Wiggins would give the Lakers another two-way wing with playoff experience, but losing one of the team's best shooters in Knecht would be a steep price to pay.

But if the Heat ultimately lower their asking price for Wiggins, he could be a solid pickup for the Purple & Gold.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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