The Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything to bring stability and a win-now mentality to the team. They had a major gap on the roster: a missing center. Deandre Ayton fills the spot. Marcus Smart brings in the experience and defense. And Jake LaRavia could be the man-to-man defender LA desperately needs. Now, they do have LeBron James for another season at $52.6 million. However, with a $q65 million extension, it’s Luka Doncic stealing the show. But, with the front office pursuing Andrew Wiggins, they could move some LA pieces.

Well, there is barely any space for a ‘could’. Rob Pelinka will most definitely move some pieces to make the same. Wing expansion, if you will? Meanwhile, Lakers insider Jovan Buha says the Lakers could package Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent to acquire Wiggs from the Miami Heat. There’s more to this claim, and Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has drawn the map.

In his latest report, Pincus mapped a trade idea that brings Andrew Wiggins to LA. Quoting Marc Stein’s “The Lakers’ reluctance in the early stages of the offseason to consider trades for contracts that stretch beyond the 2025-26 season has thawed somewhat,” the reporter presented a three-team trade idea.

The Lakers could reel in Andrew Wiggins, carrying a $28.2 million salary this campaign and a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27, by teaming up with Miami and Brooklyn for maneuvering room. Los Angeles would land Wiggins alongside Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Drew Timme, while the Heat receives Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a $10 million trade exception. Timing, strategy, and roster upgrades collide in this daring setup.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn steps in to handle Maxi Kleber’s $4.6 million cap hit and also collects a 2026 safeguarded second-round selection from Miami plus $2 million from the Lakers. The Lakers consolidate Hachimura, Knecht, and Kleber to make room for Wiggins and Jaquez, while the Miami Heat offloads Wiggins efficiently. Every dollar, every player, every move bends around tax limits and apron rules, creating a high-stakes, audacious exchange.

In this process, Miami secures Dalton Knecht through the Jimmy Butler trade exception, leaving $3.8 million unused. Though the franchise could pivot to the Haywood Highsmith exception if preferred. Meanwhile, Drew Timme lingers on Los Angeles’ ledger at minimum pay, non-guaranteed. The 2026 second-rounder functions as a courtesy, with Miami returning Brooklyn’s pick, virtually certain to stay protected beyond the top 55.

But this comes with a heartbreak for Luka Doncic. Sure thing, he seemingly wants Pelinka to upgrade the wings, hence the chase for Wiggins. However, if Eric Pincus’s trade idea is even a tad bit accurate, then Maxi Kleber would see the exit door. This means the LA Lakers would acquire Luka’s long-time Dallas Mavericks teammate, removing him from Dallas.

Luka Doncic could part ways with Maxi Kleber amidst the LA Lakers’ hopeful Andrew Wiggins chase

In February 2025, the blockbuster three-team arrangement shipped Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from Dallas to Los Angeles. In return, the Mavericks landed Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round future selection from the Lakers. Los Angeles executives hailed Doncic as a rare global marvel, ready to anchor their path ahead. Kleber, Doncic’s partner for more than seven years, moved with him. Kleber later reflected on his journey with Doncic, remembering the rise from Madrid talent to commanding superstar. He spoke of Doncic’s fire, toughness, and persistence through pain, qualities that lifted teammates.

The LA Lakers’ interest in Andrew Wiggins places Luka Doncic’s bond with Maxi Kleber in danger. Wiggins carries one season plus a $30.2 million option, giving Los Angeles flexibility. He could choose to opt out for a smaller annual deal, or Los Angeles could later move him as an expiring piece. At 30 and standing 6’7”, he instantly becomes their top perimeter stopper, filling the void left after Dorian Finney Smith’s exit.

The numbers argue in his favor. Wiggins posted 18 points a night across 60 games with Golden State and Miami, hitting 37.4 percent from distance on 2.2 attempts. Rui Hachimura averaged 13.1 through 59 contests, shooting 41.3 percent from deep on 4.2 tries, yet lacked mobility against quicker guards. Miami’s Jaime Jaquez, who struggled as a sophomore, offers revival potential. Drew Timme could slide into the fourteenth roster spot, while Los Angeles keeps room under $195.9 million.

Here comes the sting in the tale. The Lakers are chasing fresh wings, but the cost may fracture Doncic’s bond with Kleber. Wiggins promises defense, Jaquez tempts with revival, and Timme lingers as a quiet option. Yet every move tests loyalty against ambition. So the question echoes—can Los Angeles build for glory without breaking hearts?