One NBA expert believes the LA Lakers could trade for a game-changer, but their future goals will prevent a deal from happening.
It’s hard to look at the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason and not be impressed. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Lakers have done a lot of work to improve the roster.
After the Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, Rob Pelinka knew that he couldn’t make the same mistake as he had in years past.
The Lakers signing Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia was a huge step in the right direction. And with the help of Luka Doncic, the Lakers added Marcus Smart to an already-stacked roster.
But is there a move the Lakers could make to cement themselves as contenders? According to one NBA insider, there is, and it’s an easy one to make.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesNBA insider says Andrew Wiggins can make LA Lakers contenders
NBA expert Jason Timpf spoke on the Hoops Tonight podcast, where he discussed the LA Lakers. He believes that Andrew Wiggins is a perfect fit for their team.
Timpf added that Wiggins’ athleticism and defense would be a huge boost to the Lakers. Plus, his offensive tools would be enhanced playing next to Luka Doncic.
“I do think an Andrew Wiggins trade would immediately make the Lakers a top-tier contender. He would immediately address their athleticism and defense needs.
“He specifically, in my opinion, is one of the top tier, if not second, or second tier to top tier, somewhere in that range.
“One of the top 10 apex defenders that you could put on an opposing star in a playoff series, and he can do it against multiple different types of stars.
“I also think he just makes a substantial upgrade in athleticism, which is what they would need. I also think he would play really well offensively off of Luka.
“And I think the Lakers could pull off that trade, including Dalton and maybe some second-round compensation and not having to include their first-round pick.”
But while Timpf thinks this deal would be perfect, he doesn’t expect the Lakers to pull the trigger for one key reason.
Rob Pelinka won’t trade for Andrew Wiggins because of Luka Doncic timeline
Timpf believes that the Lakers won’t make this trade because of Rob Pelinka’s long-term plan to build around Luka Doncic.
“But the Lakers seem uninterested in making that type of deal because of Andrew’s age and because of their timeline.
“Without Wiggins… I don’t see a move this summer that’s readily available right now that the Lakers could make that would immediately vault them up in terms of their athleticism and their ability to contend for a title this season. I don’t see it right now.”
Wiggins is 30 years old, and as an athletic player, he has a very limited window to play high-level basketball.
But the Lakers don’t know when they’ll get a second option as good as LeBron James. In fact, James could be Doncic’s best Lakers teammate ever.
So it might be smart for Pelinka to put his long-term plan aside and make a trade. Whether that trade is for Wiggins or another player is up for debate.