Should the Lakers Go After a 2022 All-Star Small Forward?
Former NBA all-star and NBA champion Andrew Wiggins has been rumored what feels like all summer long to be on the move. In early August, he was rumored to be joining the Bucks. Now the rumors have moved on to the Lakers. Supposedly, the Lakers are making trade offers to the Miami Heat to trade away Dalton Knecht for Andrew Wiggins. Reports are saying the Heat don't think it's enough. Wiggins can be a great asset to the Lakers, but should the Lakers really go after him?
No, the Lakers shouldn't, because of the other needs their roster has. First, the lack of shooting while the Lakers have shooters, there isn't a catch-and-shoot threat. There needs to be that because playing with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and DeAndre Ayton will open up the floor more for catch-and-shoot players. Someone like Malik Beasley would be excellent for the Lakers. He is a career shooter and shot almost 40% from the field in his career. Now, a reason why the Lakers would want to go after someone like Wiggins is the defense. Currently, there is no wing defensive stopper and a player who can really take over if LeBron sits down; that's where Wiggins would be a valuable asset to the team. The Lakers also need a perimeter stopper who can stop those guards from driving into the paint. Once again, Wiggins would be perfect for that.
The most significant detriment would be trading away key players for Wiggins when Wiggins is at the tail end of his career. Giving Luka and LeBron more shooters and penetrators would have defenses laying off Luka or LeBron. The biggest reason is the Lakers need that championship experience and pedigree. Wiggins would definitely provide that. Overall, the Lakers should consider Andrew Wiggins, but they risk depleting their roster by averaging almost 20 points per game last season. The Lakers should prioritize first more shooters to clear. If a deal can be reached, the Lakers will definitely improve; if not, they need to prioritize adding shooters more than anything else. That is what the Lakers should go after; it'll be the best shot they have to win it all this season.
