The Los Angeles Lakers are experiencing a strong start to the 2025-26 NBA season, boasting a record of 16-6 despite dealing with injuries to key players. However, there is growing speculation that star point guard Luka Doncic is pushing the front office, led by Rob Pelinka, to seek a trade before the upcoming February 5 deadline.
According to Tyler Watts from Lake Show Life, Doncic’s influence may drive the Lakers to acquire a versatile 3-and-D wing player—a role that has been notably lacking since the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency. The Lakers have struggled to find a suitable replacement, with Jake LaRavia failing to secure starter minutes and Marcus Smart struggling to maintain his health.
One player frequently mentioned in trade discussions is Andrew Wiggins, who has garnered attention for his ability to shoot three-pointers at an expected 40 percent efficiency while providing outstanding defense. Wiggins, a former Golden State Warriors star, notably improved his outside shooting after being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves and played a key role in the Warriors’ 2022 championship win. His performance statistics are impressive, averaging 17.6 points with a 44.4% shooting percentage and 37.9% from three-point range during his last 43 games in Golden State.
The acquisition of a player like Wiggins could offer Doncic and the Lakers a significant boost, presenting both a reliable offensive threat and a defensive stalwart. This potential move not only aligns with the team’s needs but also enhances Doncic’s opportunities for growth and success as the team progresses through the season. The Lakers’ pursuit of this trade underlines their commitment to building a competitive roster and addressing gaps that could prevent them from achieving their championship aspirations.