The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be active in their efforts to retool the roster, and with Deandre Ayton already on board, the franchise may be looking to make another major move. Amid pressure from LeBron James to build a more competitive squad, the Lakers have been linked to Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins — a former No. 1 pick and NBA champion.

While Wiggins would complete a trio of top overall picks alongside James and Ayton, acquiring him may not be so simple. According to team insider Jovan Buha, Miami’s demands have so far been steep.

“I’ve heard the asking price for Miami was pretty high,” Buha revealed in a Q&A session (via Basket News). “We’re talking basically everything or close to everything that the Lakers could offer from a top asset standpoint. So, I don’t think that’s gonna happen.”

Reportedly, the Heat want a package including Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a future first-round pick in return for Wiggins — a price many believe is too high for the Lakers to accept.

“I don’t think the Lakers are trading Rui, a first-rounder, and Dalton for Andrew Wiggins. It’s not fair value,” Buha added. “It’s not a realistic trade. I think Miami’s playing hardball, and we’ll see if they soften their stance.”

The Miami Heat are reportedly seeking a first-round pick, Dalton Knecht, and Rui Hachimura from the Lakers in trade talks centered around Andrew Wiggins, per @jovanbuha

(h/t @dru_star ) pic.twitter.com/AT6jBZ5SJP

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2025

Landing Wiggins would certainly give the Lakers a unique lineup, featuring three former No. 1 overall selections on the floor together — an intriguing scenario for any franchise. Wiggins has improved significantly on defense during his time with Golden State and still provides value as a versatile two-way wing. However, despite his growth, giving up a young shooter like Knecht, a reliable role player in Hachimura, and a future first may prove too costly.

Lakers Still Lacking a Defensive Big

While Ayton addresses some of the team’s offensive needs in the frontcourt, concerns remain regarding his lack of interior defense. His skill set suits a face-up game and rebounding, but he has never been known as a strong rim protector.

Both LeBron James and Luka Doncic — who continues to be central to the Lakers’ future plans — have excelled alongside rim-running, defensive-minded centers. For the Lakers to truly contend, especially in the postseason, they may still need to pursue a big man who can defend the paint and anchor the defense when it matters most.

The Wiggins deal, while enticing on paper, may not be the final answer unless Miami lowers its asking price. For now, the Lakers continue to weigh their options, with roster balance and playoff readiness at the forefront of their decision-making.