There are two different free agency approaches the Los Angeles Lakers could take this summer.
The franchise could go all-in on a center or trade for an experienced wing asset that would be a near-perfect win-now piece.
Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk believes the Lakers will choose the latter by swapping a starting forward for a beloved former Golden State Warriors NBA champion.
“The fit of Rui Hachimura alongside (Luka) Doncic and (LeBron) James has quickly come under scrutiny after a premature first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves,” Rovenchuk wrote Thursday.
“This has led many to believe the Lakers are better off trading the starting forward. If that is indeed the route that Los Angeles wants to take, pairing Hachimura with another expiring contract can easily add up to the salary needed to acquire (Andrew) Wiggins.”
“The Miami Heat forward is set to make $28.2 million in the 2025-26 season. Wiggins arrived at South Beach this past season after the Golden State Warriors used him as a part of the trade package that landed them Jimmy Butler.”
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“Those interested in seeing the former All-Star back in California will hope that Wiggins has not bought property in Florida just yet.”
Wiggins successfully rejuvenated his underachieving career with the Warriors.
Before the midway point of the 2019-20 season, the Kansas product was known for being an athletic Minnesota Timberwolves slasher who refused to play at or above his potential.
After the Timberwolves traded Wiggins to the Warriors in 2020, a more motivated version of the former lottery pick emerged.
The 30-year-old’s ability to succeed under pressure and improve his motor on both ends made him an instant fan favorite in the Bay.
In 2021-22, Wiggins’ efficient 17.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest helped the Warriors capture their 7th championship in franchise history.
However, Golden State’s early 2024-25 season struggles put Wiggins’ role with the Dubs in Jeopardy.
On February 5, the Warriors sent the 6-foot-7 forward to the Miami Heat in exchange for Butler, which turned out to be a beneficial move for the organization.
Still, Wiggins is undoubtedly an impactful NBA contributor who could help a contender like the Lakers.
The former McDonald’s All-American refined floor spacing and proven playoff success would give James, Doncic, and the Lakers a valuable, perimeter-oriented asset eager to join a competitive franchise (the Heat are moving in the wrong direction).
As consistent as Hachimura has been for the Lakers, there’s no question that Wiggins would give the franchise a better shot of getting over the hump next season.
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