The Los Angeles Lakers did their homework well during the 2025 offseason. They made smart moves that are now paying off. With a strong 17–6 record and no signs of slowing down, the team looks locked in as one of the Western Conference’s most formidable contenders.

But just when fans thought the roster was settled, a surprising new trade prediction has emerged. It is that kind of trade prediction that links the Lakers to a former NBA champion in a bold three-team deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers May Acquire a Former NBA Champion

The ClutchPoints NBA analyst Brett Siegel recently predicted a trade scenario involving the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Lakers. His idea centers on Memphis star Ja Morant, whose relationship with the Grizzlies has reportedly become strained. This has sparked fresh trade rumors.

In Siegel’s predicted structure, Miami would end up with Ja Morant along with Rui Hachimura, John Konchar, and Gabe Vincent, which would give the Heat a new backcourt option. The Lakers, meanwhile, would land Andrew Wiggins, who is a former champion.

Memphis would receive a mix of young players, role pieces, and future draft capital, including Davion Mitchell, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio, Terry Rozier’s expiring contract, a 2029 Miami first-round pick, a 2030 pick swap, and the Lakers’ 2031 first-rounder.

For the Lakers, the prize is Wiggins, who was the No. 1 pick in 2014 when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him before trading him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the blockbuster Kevin Love deal.

In 2020, he joined the Golden State Warriors in exchange for D’Angelo Russell. Two years later, he became a champion, and he played a key role in the Warriors’ 2022 title run by guarding elite scorers.

After that championship, Wiggins signed a four-year, $109,000,002 contract extension with Golden State in October 2022. But in February of this year, he was traded to the Miami Heat. Still, his name has continued to surface in trade discussions, mainly during the 2025 offseason, when the Lakers were rumored to be keeping an eye on him.

This season, the Lakers’ offense has been great, and the team is powered by the scoring of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who are averaging 35.0 and 28.4 points per game. But defense has been another story.

The team has a defensive rating of 117.2 and allows the 15th-most points per game, indicating it often struggles to contain quick guards and strong wings on the perimeter.

That’s where Wiggins could make a difference. If we look at his current averages of 16.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and one steal per game, along with his defensive rating of 113.8, we can see he is performing well. His ability to guard top scorers could give the Lakers the defensive boost they badly need.

While his $28,223,215 salary would require careful cap management, the potential payoff is clear. For now, it remains a fascinating “what if” scenario.

The Lakers are already rolling. But if Wiggins walks through the door in purple and gold, their ceiling might rise even higher.