The Los Angeles Lakers have been quietly evaluating ways to maximize their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, and whispers of a potential Andrew Wiggins trade are gaining traction. With Luka Doncic now firmly embedded as the team’s primary star, front-office strategists are exploring options that could immediately improve the starting lineup and shore up defensive weaknesses. Sources indicate that conversations around Wiggins have accelerated in recent weeks, suggesting that the Lakers see him as a candidate to fill a crucial two-way role.

The impetus for a trade is clear. While the Lakers boast talent across their roster, there are gaps in wing defense and starting lineup versatility that could limit their playoff ceiling. A player like Wiggins would not only provide perimeter defense but also offer experience in high-pressure playoff environments. With the Western Conference becoming increasingly competitive, Los Angeles is weighing how to convert its existing assets into a more balanced and defensive-minded starting five.

NBA analyst Jovan Buha broke down the Lakers’ roster needs in detail. “The two biggest holes on the roster for me in my opinion are… a better two-way starting option that slots… And then I still think the backup center spot is a bit concerning,” he said, noting that while Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart are capable players alongside Doncic, they might be better suited to bench roles in an ideal lineup. “A guy like a Wiggins or someone of that ilk… they need that type of player as the fifth starter.”

Buha added context on how the Lakers could make a run with some minor changes: “With exception to those two things, I think this is a pretty good roster and they’re going to be in the mix for a top-four seed in the West… if they make the right trade, including potentially the Wiggins trade, I think they’re right there in the inner circle.”

Rui Hachimura and Wiggs offer contrasting profiles that illustrate the Lakers’ roster challenge. Rui has shown flashes of scoring versatility and can stretch the floor, averaging 13.1 points per game on 41.3% from three last season, but his defensive impact has been inconsistent, with a Defensive Rating of 117, and struggles against elite wing scorers.

Wiggins, on the other hand, brings a more complete two-way presence: he can guard multiple positions effectively, averaging 1.2 steals and 1 block per game while maintaining a Defensive Rating of 113. Offensively, Wiggins provides reliable spacing (37.4% from deep) and slashing ability, making him a stronger fit as a starting wing alongside Luka Doncic. A trade for Wiggins could immediately elevate the Lakers’ starting five while optimizing bench rotations.

The timing of the talks is critical. With Luka Doncic in his prime and the Lakers’ playoff ambitions front and center, Rob Pelinka and the front office are keenly aware that roster tweaks need to happen before the season tips off. Though a trade has not been made yet, Wiggins’ contract and availability make him a viable candidate, while the Lakers weigh which pieces they are willing to move to secure the deal.

Lakers’ backup center depth raises questions ahead of next season

The Purple & Gold enter the 2025-26 season with uncertainty in the frontcourt, particularly at the backup center spot. With the departure of Anthony Davis and the rotation still centered around their star duo, the Lakers lack a reliable second-unit rim protector who can maintain defensive integrity when the starters sit. While the starting lineup can compete in the tough Western Conference, the bench unit risks giving up points and allowing opponents to exploit mismatches in the paint, a vulnerability that played a major role in their elimination during last season’s playoffs.

Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert delivered an uncharacteristic 27 points with 24 rebounds in the elimination game 5, with Jaxson Hayes massively underperforming in the series, delivering just 1.8 points and 2 rebounds, making coach JJ Redick go with a small-ball lineup instead.

Jovan Buha weighed in on the Lakers’ frontcourt situation: “I still think the backup center spot is a bit concerning unless the Maxi Kleber buzz plays out and he’s as good as maybe some people are hoping. With exception to that, it’s a pretty good roster, but that’s the one spot that could be exploited.” His assessment highlights that until the Lakers solidify this role, the second unit could struggle to maintain competitiveness on both ends of the floor.

The lack of depth at center doesn’t just affect defense; it impacts rotation flexibility and player rest. Without a dependable backup behind the new addition Deandre Ayton, the Lakers risk overextending Luka Doncic and the starters, which could lead to fatigue or injury during a long season. Additionally, opposing teams may scheme around the bench lineup, targeting the paint and forcing perimeter rotations that disrupt offensive flow. Addressing this hole will be critical for the Lakers to establish themselves as a true powerhouse in the West.