The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise synonymous with championship ambition, are making headlines once again this offseason as they reshape their roster and pursue a return to NBA glory. The summer of 2025 has already been a whirlwind for the Lakers, with bold moves and high-profile rumors swirling around the team’s future. At the heart of this transformation is Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ new franchise centerpiece, whose leadership and proactive approach have set the tone for a pivotal campaign ahead.
Earlier this August, Luka Doncic inked a three-year extension with the Lakers, securing his place as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. But it wasn’t just the signing itself that caught the attention of fans and analysts—it was Doncic’s behind-the-scenes work to improve the team before the ink was even dry on his new contract. According to Yahoo Sports’ Broderick Turner, Doncic played a direct role in recruiting Marcus Smart to Los Angeles, making several phone calls to the veteran guard in the lead-up to his signing.
“Luka Doncic helped recruit Marcus Smart to the Los Angeles Lakers,” Turner reported, highlighting a shift in Doncic’s approach compared to his earlier years in Dallas. No longer content to let front office executives handle roster building alone, Doncic has embraced his role as a leader on and off the court. The mutual respect between Doncic and Smart paved the way for fruitful discussions, eventually leading Smart to agree to a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers.
Smart’s arrival addresses a glaring need for the Lakers—a strong point-of-attack defender to fill the void left by Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure. With Smart’s defensive tenacity and basketball IQ, the Lakers are poised to shore up their perimeter defense, a crucial component for any team with championship aspirations. The fanbase, already buzzing with anticipation, has every reason to be thankful for Doncic’s forward-thinking efforts.
But the Lakers’ offseason isn’t just about adding Smart. The rumor mill has been churning with speculation about a potential blockbuster trade involving Andrew Wiggins, a player whose defensive versatility and championship pedigree have made him one of the most sought-after wings in the league. NBA insider Brandon Austin of PFSN recently floated Wiggins as an “ideal fit” for the Lakers, citing his ability to guard multiple positions and complement star teammates like Doncic.
Wiggins, currently with the Miami Heat, carries a significant salary—$28.2 million for the 2025-26 season and a $30.1 million player option for 2026-27. Despite averaging 18 points last season and remaining a reliable two-way presence, the Heat are reportedly open to moving Wiggins if the right deal emerges. Miami, always aggressive in pursuit of star talent, has already made moves this offseason by acquiring Norman Powell and drafting Kasparas Jakucionis, but the front office is said to be eyeing even bigger upgrades at the wing position.
Coach Erik Spoelstra has publicly expressed optimism about Wiggins’ growth in Miami, especially with the addition of Powell, but internal discussions suggest the Heat are willing to listen to offers. According to ClutchPoints, multiple teams—including the Milwaukee Bucks—have inquired about Wiggins, though no trade has materialized yet.
One proposed scenario, as outlined by Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Kruger, would see the Lakers receive both Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr. in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 first-round pick. For Los Angeles, this deal would be a significant gamble but could pay off handsomely. Wiggins’ reputation as a lockdown defender is well established. “He is 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,” said Jason Timpf, host of Hoops Tonight. Timpf also noted Wiggins’ athleticism and the potential synergy with Doncic, suggesting that such a pairing could elevate the Lakers’ ceiling considerably.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., meanwhile, would bring scoring versatility and high basketball IQ to the Lakers’ wing rotation. Despite experiencing a sophomore slump last season, Jaquez’s potential to develop further makes him an intriguing addition for a team looking to build depth and flexibility.
For the Miami Heat, the trade would provide valuable roster reinforcement and long-term assets. Hachimura, a proven 3-and-D wing, could slot in seamlessly as a secondary offensive option, while Knecht would bring youthful scoring punch off the bench. Maxi Kleber’s ability to space the floor and offer defensive reliability would bolster Miami’s frontcourt alongside Bam Adebayo. The inclusion of a future first-round pick sweetens the deal, ensuring the Heat maintain a balance between immediate competitiveness and future flexibility.
Despite the appeal, the Lakers face a strategic dilemma. Rob Pelinka, the team’s executive, is reportedly weighing the merits of such a trade, particularly in light of Wiggins’ age and the team’s timeline centered around Doncic. “Without Wiggins… I don’t see a move this summer that’s readily available right now that would immediately vault them up in terms of athleticism and their ability to contend for a title,” Timpf explained. The prospect of adding a proven champion like Wiggins could also reduce LeBron James’ workload, provide insurance for key players, and solidify the Lakers as a top-tier contender in the Western Conference.
All these moves and rumors underscore the Lakers’ relentless pursuit of roster versatility, championship experience, and defensive firepower. The team’s willingness to explore bold trades and lean on the leadership of its superstar signals a new era of ambition in Los Angeles. Whether or not the Wiggins deal ultimately comes to fruition, it’s clear that the Lakers are leaving no stone unturned as they aim to make a deeper playoff run in the 2025-26 season.
As the offseason drama continues and training camp approaches, Lakers fans can take solace in knowing that their team is firmly in the mix for every major move. With Luka Doncic leading the charge, Marcus Smart bringing his trademark grit, and the potential addition of Andrew Wiggins looming, the Lakers are positioning themselves for another shot at NBA glory. The action off the court is heating up—and if these moves pay off, the action on the court could be even more electrifying come October.
