The Los Angeles Lakers entered the season hungry to win after suffering a first-round exit back in April. The big three of Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic is beginning to take shape, and all James wants at this stage of his career is another chance to contend for a championship.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
With Doncic now being the franchise player, he gives the Lakers a longer championship window—but he still wants to win immediately.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Still, if the Lakers truly want to become contenders, they need to find the perfect piece to complete the roster.
“The Lakers won’t bring back Luka’s friend, but they could get someone better on the trade market. Fans have heard the Andrew Wiggins rumors. That is the type of player that Pelinka and the franchise should be targeting. Ideally, they shoot around 40 percent from 3-point range and play stout defense across multiple positions,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote. “The Los Angeles Lakers are getting their hand forced by Luka Doncic’s greatness. The prime superstar is eager to win his first championship after guiding Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024. It is time for the Lakers to get him a 3-and-wing and to see how far he can lead them. Never count out Luka. He may just take over as the best player in the world and win it all if he gets the help he needs.”
The Lakers’ current roster already looks strong, but adding Wiggins would take it to another level. It would likely require a significant trade package to pry him away from the Heat, but there’s little doubt that a deal could be made.
The Lakers sit at the top of the West, and nothing so far suggests that’s about to change. Their defense is loaded with disruptive defenders, and their offensive talent with the big three is elite. Adding Wiggins would only make things even more interesting for the entire league.