The Los Angeles Lakers are once again making headlines as reports suggest they are eyeing Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins and could make a move for him “if the price is right.” For a franchise that has long thrived on big-name acquisitions and bold roster moves, the possibility of adding Wiggins represents both intrigue and a calculated risk. The Lakers are always in win-now mode, and with LeBron James still on the roster, every decision they make is about maximizing the championship window while they still can. A pursuit of Wiggins would not only signal their intent to fortify their wing depth but also highlight their ongoing strategy of targeting players who can contribute immediately while still having upside.
Andrew Wiggins’ journey in the NBA has been anything but linear. Drafted first overall in 2014, he entered the league burdened with expectations of becoming a superstar. His athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive potential were undeniable, but his years in Minnesota left many wondering whether he would ever live up to the hype. When he was traded to Golden State in 2020, many viewed it as an opportunity for him to reset his career, and that is exactly what happened. Wiggins became an essential piece for the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, earning praise for his defense, rebounding, and timely scoring. He may never be the superstar many projected, but he has carved out a valuable role as a two-way wing who can impact winning basketball.
From the Lakers’ perspective, that is exactly the type of player they need. LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the cornerstones of the franchise, but surrounding them with versatile wings who can defend, hit shots, and play within a system is critical. Wiggins has proven he can do all of those things on the biggest stage. During the Warriors’ 2022 title run, he was arguably their second-most important player behind Stephen Curry in the Finals, particularly with his defense on Jayson Tatum and his relentless work on the boards. For the Lakers, who have sometimes struggled to find consistency on the wing, adding Wiggins could provide balance to their roster.
The caveat, of course, is the phrase “if the price is right.” Wiggins is under contract on a sizable deal, and the Lakers’ financial flexibility is limited. With large portions of their cap space tied to LeBron and Davis, every move they make requires careful calculation. To acquire Wiggins, the Lakers would likely need to part with draft capital or key role players, and the front office will have to decide if the potential reward outweighs the cost. The Warriors, for their part, might be motivated to move Wiggins depending on how they view their own roster construction. Golden State is facing significant luxury tax concerns, and with younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody demanding more minutes, Wiggins could be viewed as expendable if the right deal materializes.
The Lakers’ interest in Wiggins also reflects a broader trend in their recent roster-building philosophy. In recent years, they have targeted players who can provide length, athleticism, and defensive versatility around their stars. From Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Rui Hachimura, the Lakers have understood that surrounding LeBron and Davis with wings who can play both ends of the floor is essential. Wiggins fits that mold perfectly. While his offensive game has never been elite, his ability to slash, finish in transition, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes makes him an ideal complementary player in a system where LeBron is the primary playmaker.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Wiggins joining the Lakers would be how his presence might extend LeBron’s effectiveness. At 39 years old, LeBron continues to defy Father Time, but asking him to carry the same two-way load he did in his prime is unrealistic. Wiggins could alleviate some of that burden, particularly on the defensive end, where his length and athleticism would allow LeBron to conserve energy. Additionally, Wiggins’ ability to create his own shot in spurts would give the Lakers another option in half-court sets, something they’ve lacked at times when LeBron is resting.
Still, the fit is not without questions. Wiggins has been criticized in the past for inconsistency and a tendency to disappear in stretches. While he shed some of that reputation with the Warriors, particularly in 2022, the concern remains whether he can deliver consistently enough to justify the investment the Lakers would have to make. Moreover, chemistry is always a delicate matter in Los Angeles. The Lakers have had mixed results when bringing in high-profile names, with some acquisitions meshing seamlessly and others disrupting team dynamics. Wiggins is known as a relatively quiet, low-maintenance personality, which could help, but the adjustment from Golden State’s system to the Lakers’ would still require time.
From a financial standpoint, the Lakers would need to get creative. Wiggins signed a four-year, \$109 million extension with the Warriors in 2022, and his annual salary is significant. For the Lakers to bring him in, they would need to match salaries, which means potentially parting with multiple rotation players. Draft picks would almost certainly be involved, given how highly the Warriors value assets. The question is whether the Lakers are willing to sacrifice depth and future flexibility for a player who, while talented, is not a guaranteed superstar. That is where the phrase “if the price is right” becomes critical. The Lakers want Wiggins, but not at the expense of mortgaging their future.
From the Warriors’ side, the decision to move Wiggins would be complex. On one hand, they could clear salary and open up opportunities for younger players. On the other, Wiggins remains one of their best perimeter defenders and a proven playoff contributor. Trading him to the Lakers, their Western Conference rivals, could also be seen as a risky move unless the return is significant. Golden State would need to weigh whether improving their financial flexibility and giving more room to Kuminga is worth strengthening a direct competitor.
For Wiggins himself, a potential move to the Lakers could represent both opportunity and pressure. Playing in Los Angeles alongside LeBron and Davis would mean being under an even brighter spotlight than he has experienced in Golden State. Every performance would be dissected, and expectations would be sky-high. At the same time, Wiggins has already shown that he can thrive when surrounded by stars. With the Warriors, he embraced his role as a complementary piece rather than the focal point, and it brought out some of his best basketball. A similar role in Los Angeles could yield comparable results, particularly if he buys into the team’s culture and focuses on defense, rebounding, and efficient scoring.
The fan reaction to the possibility of Wiggins joining the Lakers would likely be mixed. Some would view it as a savvy move to add a proven, championship-caliber player to the roster. Others might question whether the Lakers should prioritize younger, cheaper options rather than committing to a player with Wiggins’ contract. Ultimately, the perception will depend on what the Lakers have to give up in a trade. If they can land him without sacrificing too much, it will likely be seen as a win. If the cost is steep, critics will be quick to point out the risks.
The timing of this report is also notable. The Lakers are constantly linked to potential moves because of their market size and championship-or-bust mentality. Whether this interest in Wiggins materializes into a real offer remains to be seen, but the fact that they are exploring the possibility suggests that the front office is not satisfied with the current roster. They know that every year with LeBron is precious, and maximizing their title chances in the short term is paramount. Wiggins represents a player who could make a difference in that pursuit if acquired under the right circumstances.
Looking ahead, the decision will come down to negotiations, financial considerations, and how strongly the Lakers believe Wiggins can push them closer to another championship. For now, the reports of interest highlight the Lakers’ relentless pursuit of talent and their willingness to explore any avenue to improve. Whether Wiggins ultimately dons the purple and gold or not, his name being linked to the Lakers underscores the franchise’s ongoing strategy: they are always in the market for difference-makers, and they will continue to chase them as long as the window with LeBron and Davis remains open.
If the Lakers do land Wiggins, it could mark another chapter in their long history of bold moves. From trading for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Pau Gasol to signing Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James, the Lakers have always thrived on star power. Wiggins may not be a generational superstar, but he has proven that he can play a vital role on a championship team. For the Lakers, that might be exactly what they need as they continue their quest to hang banner number 18 in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena.
