The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy this summer, adding Deandre Ayton to their frontcourt and bringing in former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. On paper, those are major upgrades, yet concerns still linger in Los Angeles, particularly on the defensive end. Last season, their inability to contain guards and protect the perimeter cost them in crucial stretches. While the backcourt pairing of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lit up opponents offensively, their struggles on defense left the Lakers vulnerable. That’s why Rob Pelinka and the front office have reportedly been exploring options for another defensive-minded guard, with Andrew Wiggins surfacing as their primary target. But is he really the missing piece?

Wiggins is undoubtedly a two-way talent, capable of scoring and defending at a high level, and his experience on championship rosters adds value. Still, the calculus may have shifted after Doncic’s electric run at EuroBasket 2025, where he looked every bit like the best player in the tournament, averaging 34.7 points. If Doncic can consistently dominate on that level in the NBA, some argue the Lakers may not need to splurge further. As The Athletic’s Dan Woike pointed out, the Purple and Gold might be better off trusting the roster they’ve assembled rather than chasing another costly addition.

The journalist pointed out that this new version of Luka Doncic hasn’t only improved visually, but also taken his skills further up a notch. “He led the tournament in scoring, averaging 34.7 points in 33.3 minutes. His paint scoring and free-throw shooting were noticeably improved, allowing him to be the toughest cover in the tournament, even if his 3-point shot wasn’t quite to his standards. Doncic was also much more active on the defensive end compared to when we last saw him,” he wrote.

The five-time All-NBA guard wasn’t just engaged defensively; he was disruptive. Averaging 2.7 steals and 0.6 blocks, Doncic showcased improved awareness and commitment on possessions where he previously lagged behind. Sure, the block numbers don’t leap off the page, but the consistent effort and positioning spoke volumes about his growth. Long criticized for his perceived lack of effort and discipline on that side of the ball, Doncic has flipped the narrative. His play at EuroBasket 2025 not only silenced skeptics but also gave the Lakers front office a genuine reason to breathe easier.

For Lakers Nation, this is massive: if Doncic can bring this new level of defensive energy into the NBA season, suddenly the concerns about pairing him with Austin Reaves in the backcourt won’t feel like a glaring weakness. Instead, it could transform into one of the Lakers’ biggest strengths. This now puts the Lakers’ front office in a tricky position because Luka Doncic‘s defensive leap may have already changed their plans.

The primary reason Andrew Wiggins emerged as a target was the glaring concern over the Reaves-Doncic backcourt’s ability to hold up on defense. But with Doncic proving he can shoulder his responsibilities on that end, the urgency to chase Wiggins has diminished. Still, the question remains: should the Lakers walk away from a proven two-way wing who brings size, versatility, and a championship pedigree? Or does adding Wiggins still make sense as the final piece to shore up their title push?

Los Angeles Lakers have a reason to look for Andrew Wiggins despite Luka Doncic’s Defensive Leap

There’s no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything in their power to improve their roster from last year’s and avoid another first-round playoff exit. While they’ve done plenty of business already, it’s safe to assume that Rob Pelinka and Co. will not deny if a good deal comes on their table. That’s why for weeks now, the Purple & Gold have been linked with Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins. The former NBA champion has emerged as a potential upgrade at the wing position for the Lakers.

Although head coach JJ Redick has plenty of options on the wings—all the way from Austin Reaves to Dalton Knecht—Wiggins brings in a lot to the table. Last season, the former No. 1 pick averaged 19 points along with 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Not to mention, his playoff experience and defensive versatility match the sort of player the Lakers need.

Even though Doncic’s improvement will be crucial for the franchise, bringing in a player like Wiggins will definitely not hurt the Lakers. After all, he’ll be an upgrade from Reaves and Knecht on the defensive end at least, and give JJ Redick one more option down the road. Now, will the Purple & Gold be able to land him? Now, that’s a different story altogether. Nonetheless, if they can pull the trigger on this deal, we think they should do it, as we continue to keep a close eye on any developments.