Luka Doncic’s EuroBasket 2025 run came to a halt in the quarter-finals against Germany on Wednesday. He posted a double-double, but foul trouble derailed his rhythm, restricting his defense and cutting down his offensive edge. Frustrated, he voiced his anger at the referees before exiting the tournament bitterly. Yet now, all eyes shift back to Los Angeles, where the Lakers await. The focus has to return to LA, and Doncic’s story takes a new turn there.

You see, Doncic wasted no time after the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He immediately focused on reshaping his body with a strict diet and fitness plan. Then, back in the U.S., he showcased the transformation while sealing a three-year extension worth $165 million with Los Angeles, signaling his intent to dominate.

After Luka’s dominant EuroBasket run and multi-year commitment, the Lakers have shifted course. Once hesitant to take on deals beyond 2025-26, they are now more aggressive in reshaping the roster. The front office is eyeing upgrades on the wing, with two-way talent like Miami’s Andrew Wiggins suddenly on their radar, if the price fits.

Here’s the catch that The Athletic’s Dan Woike wrote about recently. He said, “The Lakers still value their lone tradeable first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032, as a piece earmarked for a much bigger move in the future. However, they have a mixture of expiring contracts and a former first-round pick in Dalton Knecht that could be packaged together if another team were looking to shed salary.”

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025–26 season with a roster anchored by LeBron James at $52.6 million and Luka Doncic at $46 million, part of a broader $207.8 million second apron limit. Luka Doncic’s recent $165 million three-year extension amplifies the financial pressure, locking in a superstar while limiting mid-level exceptions and free agent flexibility. Every move now requires strategic planning and precise financial juggling.

Future assets are pivotal in the Lakers’ approach. Their lone tradeable first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 is essentially a golden ticket for a potential superstar trade. Holding this pick protects the team’s long-term championship ceiling around Luka Doncic. Sacrificing it for a short-term roster patch could compromise flexibility. So, LA must balance immediate needs with preserving future opportunities to reshape the franchise.

Meanwhile, expiring contracts and Dalton Knecht’s $18.5 million deal with $7.6 million guaranteed offer a tactical lever. Bundling Knecht with expiring deals creates salary-dump trade options. Thus, allowing the Lakers to acquire a two-way wing without touching their prized 2031 or 2032 pick. The front office is threading the needle, pushing for present upgrades while safeguarding long-term strategy. Doncic’s contract is both an anchor and a signal for calculated roster building.

Now, with the Slovenian star’s commitment reshaping priorities, the Lakers are more aggressive in targeting roster upgrades. Their focus has shifted to the wings, where two-way talent is scarce. Suddenly, players like Miami’s Andrew Wiggins, once overlooked, are now firmly on Los Angeles’ radar—if the price is right and if Pat Riley wants to talk.

Rob Pelinka’s desire to add Andrew Wiggins to the wings after Luka Doncic’s $165 M promise

Andrew Wiggins, turning 31 in February, has a $28.2 million salary for 2025-26 and a $30.1 million player option for 2026-27. Marc Stein recently linked Wiggins to the Lakers, noting that Rob Pelinka is actively seeking tradeable wings. While Miami’s steep demands and LA’s initial hesitation complicated talks, Wiggins remains a potential target if the timing aligns.

Wiggins’ value is clear. He proved himself on a championship team with the Golden State Warriors in 2022 and logged 66 games last season, averaging 17.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in nearly 31 minutes. The Lakers must determine whether they would upgrade their perimeter over Rui Hachimura or complement him, shaping their wing rotation and overall roster balance.

Timing and roster composition are key. LA may first evaluate new additions like Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart before committing limited trade assets. Yet if Wiggins can elevate the ceiling alongside Luka Doncic, the Lakers could pivot aggressively. His one-year deal with a player option gives financial flexibility while keeping the trade scenario intriguing.

Luka Doncic has flipped the Lakers’ offseason on its head. With his commitment secured, Los Angeles can chase wings, tinker with the roster, and dream bigger. Andrew Wiggins looms as a tantalizing possibility, while strategic trades lurk in the shadows. The chessboard is set, and every move now pulses with high stakes and bold intent.