Decades after he last coached the Lakers (after playing for them in the early ‘70s), could Pat Riley dish one more assist to LA?
The Miami Heat president has previously claimed changes will be made this summer. In an offseason projected to include blockbuster deals, the Lakers could nab a “realistic” trade target from the 305.
Heat Star Considered “Realistic” Trade Target for Lakers
Jovan Buha: Andrew Wiggins “Would Check a Lot of Boxes” for LA
In a Monday livestream of his podcast, “Buha’s Block,” The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reacted to a hypothetical swap that sent Andrew Wiggins to the Lakers for Rui Hachimura. The comment in question pointed out Wiggins’ natural fit as a small forward compared to Hachimura’s adjustment to one.
“I like that trade,” Buha said. “I know Wiggins has been a popular guy for Lakers Twitter. He is someone that—I think among the realistic options—he is someone that would check a lot of boxes for the Lakers.”
He added that Hachimura has been forced to pick up “guys he is not really equipped to guard” and play out of position next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who tend to guard opposing frontcourt players.
“I think Rui can be a starting four somewhere else and be in a situation that better suits his skill set,” Buha continued. “And I also think that a guy like Wiggins or someone of his ilk could come in and plug some of those holes as a more natural wing defender.”
Wiggins May Be 3&D Solution for the Lakers
The 2015 Rookie of the Year, Wiggins has solidified himself as a two-way threat over the course of his career. Following his move from the Warriors to the Heat, he averaged 19 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and a block in 17 games (all starts). He also stuffed the stat sheet with efficiency, shooting 45% from the field, 36% from three and 73% from the free-throw line.
Despite an excellent regular season, Wiggins could not find the same groove in the first round against the Cavaliers, putting up 11.5 points per game on .372/.350/.700 splits. That streakiness—combined with a hefty payday down the road—may complicate matters, but they shouldn’t distract from what Wiggins brings to the table.
The 2022 NBA champion would offer a breadth of experience and skill to the Lakers as an athletic three-level scorer who can stop perimeter players. He has also adjusted his game to fit various situations, either as the first option or the fourth. Acquiring Wiggins would solve the Lakers’ issues in the frontcourt while making a significant upgrade on both ends of the floor. Trading Hachimura’s expiring contract (likely as part of a package) would also leave them with enough assets to pursue a starting center, which remains priority No. 1 this offseason.
Andrew Wiggins may be the perfect solution for the Lakers if a deal is in the cards. He’d give James, Doncic and Austin Reaves a reliable starting wing while fortifying their shooting and defense in the process.
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