This summer, in order to bolster the lineup around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart, all established NBA players. On top of that, they extended Doncic on a three-year, $165 million deal.
While the additions are expected to give them a boost, it wasn’t a perfect summer for the Lakers. Los Angeles lost Dorian Finney-Smith, who shot an excellent 39.8% from deep and is a close personal friend to Doncic. On top of that, he was the best wing defender on the roster.
In an effort to replace Finney-Smith, the Lakers have been linked to Dejounte Murray as a final star and Jeremy Sochan as a key role player. However, the frontrunner in Lakers’ trade rumors is Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins.
Pat Riley Doesn’t Want to Help LeBron James
Pat Riley and Danny Ainge are known as two of the most shrewd executives in the league, and any team aiming to do business with the Heat or Utah Jazz is usually wary.
However, recent reports suggest that Riley has no interest in even entertaining the idea of trading Wiggins to the Lakers.
“I would be stunned if Pat did this trade,” an unnamed NBA executive told Lakers Daily on Saturday. “You really think Pat wants to help LeBron? He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.”
After winning two titles for the Heat in four seasons, James opted to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 offseason. While the Heat have made two Finals appearances since, it stands to reason that a core of James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh would have continued to dominate the league, even as Wade and Bosh battled injuries and illnesses.
Wiggins averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a steal in 60 games last season, and would be the ideal defensive complement to the Lakers’ current roster, although the Heat, it seems, are unwilling to play ball.
Lakers Have Plenty of Other Options
With Wiggins seemingly off the table, the Lakers could strike a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans for Murray, or pivot to Herb Jones or Trey Muphy III, who are seemingly available.
The Pelicans are not the only trade partner. As mentioned, the San Antonio Spurs could be active on the market, and the Boston Celtics are known to be shopping Anfernee Simons.
If the Lakers don’t want to make a trade, free agents like Ben Simmons, Gary Payton II, and Torrey Craig are all still available. None of those players are elite scorers, although they can all guard multiple positions and provide a defensive spark off the bench.