The Los Angeles Lakers prioritized their needs this offseason based on the roster changes they made. During free agency, the Lakers signed a reliable center in Deandre Ayton, whose contract was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. The team also signed veteran guard Marcus Smart. Like Ayton, Smart reached a contract buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards.
The Lakers are looking to construct a competitive team around All-Star guard Luka Doncic. Starting next season, the organization is likely to center its moves around Doncic. Their commitment to the 6-foot-6 guard became even more evident after they signed him to a three-year, $165 million deal.
However, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Lakers might not be done with their roster moves. Stein revealed on “The Stein Line” that the franchise will be on the lookout for a potential mid-season trade.
“And they will be on the lookout, I’m told, for the proverbial right deal to present itself to upgrade on the wing if possible and add to a list of newcomers headlined by Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia,” the insider wrote.
“I don’t think that means they’ll swing a deal for just anyone between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but league sources say L.A. would indeed have interest in adding a two-way swingman who can raise their ceiling.”
This concern arose after All-Star forward LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option. When James’s player option expires, he typically receives an offer for a contract extension.
This time, no offer was given, which could hint that James will soon retire from the sport. However, there is no assurance about this since everything is just being speculated by several media outlets. The four-time champion has not issued a formal announcement regarding his future with the Lakers and the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in Andrew Wiggins
As the Los Angeles Lakers search for a two-way swingman in the trade market, there have been rumors that Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins could be a potential trade target. Marc Stein reported that Wiggins could gain interest from the California team. However, that depends on whether the Heat makes him available for a trade.
Wiggins will enter the third year of his four-year, $109 million contract in the 2025-26 season. He’s set to sign a contract extension next summer. If the Heat are looking to make more room in their salary cap, trading the Canadian star could be one of their best options.
The one-time All-Star has proven to be a valuable role player who can make significant contributions to a contending team.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
