LeBron’s Bad Blood Preventing Lakers Blockbuster Trade Desires, According To New Reporting

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James’ departure from the Miami Heat in 2014, when he left for a second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, remains one of the defining moves of his career. It also left Heat president Pat Riley frustrated. Despite the two championships James helped deliver, Riley has never been shy about his competitive pride—and that history is now resurfacing in trade conversations.

“I would be stunned if Pat did this trade,” one NBA executive told Ashish Mathur of Lakers Daily. “You really think Pat wants to help LeBron [James]? He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.”

That perspective has fueled skepticism across the league. Even though Wiggins would fit seamlessly with Los Angeles, many insiders believe Riley would hesitate to make any deal that directly benefits James and LA.

Lakers Trade Rumors: Why Wiggins Matters to Los Angeles

On the court, Wiggins checks every box the Lakers need. His length and defensive ability would offset the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith, who left for the Houston Rockets this summer. He also provides reliable perimeter scoring, having averaged 18.0 points while shooting nearly 37.5 percent from deep last season with Golden State and Miami.

But Wiggins, owed $28.2 million this year with a $30.2 million player option for 2026–27, isn’t just a basketball piece. He represents the type of wing presence Los Angeles has lacked. To acquire him, the Lakers would likely need to part with Rui Hachimura or another rotation player—already a tough pill to swallow without factoring in Riley’s resistance.

Politics Over Fit

It’s been ten years since James left South Beach, yet the competitive edge of Riley’s front office still cuts deep. For Miami, trading Wiggins to Los Angeles would not just be about roster construction—it would mean giving James a boost in pursuit of another ring. For Riley, that’s a move that goes against his instincts.

The Lakers may continue to explore trade options, but when it comes to Miami, the history between Riley and James casts a long shadow. As one executive put it, the bad blood may be enough to prevent a blockbuster before it ever gets off the ground.