One NBA expert believes the LA Lakers can trade for game-changers, but future goals will prevent the transaction from happening.
Watching the Los Angeles Lakers offseason is difficult and unimpressing. After a disappointing first round playoff exit, the Lakers did a lot of work to improve their roster.
After the Lakers lost Dorian Finney Smith in free agency, Rob Perinka knew he couldn’t make the same mistakes he had in the past few years.
The Lakers signed DeAndre Ayton and Jake Laravia, which was a big step in the right direction. And with the help of Luka Doncic, the Lakers added Marcus Smart to their already stacked roster.
But is there any move the Lakers can do to solidify themselves as candidates? According to one NBA insider, it’s easy to make.
NBA expert Jason Timpf spoke on The Hoops Tonight Podcast where he discussed La Lakers. He believes Andrew Wiggins is the perfect fit for their team.
TIMPF added that Wiggins’ athleticism and defense will be a major boost for the Lakers. Additionally, his offensive tools will be enhanced to play next to Luka Doncic.
“I think Andrew Wiggins’ trade will soon make the Lakers a top-notch candidate. He will soon address their athleticism and defensive needs.
“He specifically, in my opinion, if not second, somewhere in that range, the second tier or the second tier is one of the top tiers.
“He’s one of the top 10 apex defenders who can ride the opposite star in the playoff series, and he can do it against multiple different types of stars.
“I think he also makes a significant upgrade to his athletic ability.
“And I think the Lakers can stop that deal, like they don’t have to include a first round pick, including Dalton and perhaps a second round compensation.”
However, TIMPF thinks the deal is perfect, but he doesn’t expect the Lakers to pull the trigger for one important reason.
TIMPF believes the Lakers will not make this deal because of their long-term plan to build Rob Perinka’s Luka Donsic.
“But the Lakers don’t seem interested in making that type of deal because of Andrew’s age and timeline.
“Without Wiggins… I can’t see any move this summer when the Lakers can quickly build up them in terms of their athleticism and their ability to compete for this season’s title. I’m not watching it now.”
Wiggins is 30 years old and as an athletic player, he has a very limited window to play high-level basketball.
But the Lakers don’t know when they’ll get a second option just as good as LeBron James. In fact, James could be Don Sic’s best Lakers teammate.
Therefore, it may be wise for Perinka to put aside his long-term plans and make a deal. Whether the deal is for Wiggins or whether other players are debated.