Lakers Hit With Bad News on Long-Rumored Trade Target

By Evan Massey

Contributing Sports Writer

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Throughout the early stages of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have looked the part of a legitimate NBA Finals contender in the Western Conference. After an offseason that saw the team add pieces like Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, the team has lived up to the early-season hype.

At this point in time, the Lakers hold a 14-4 record. That has them currently ranked No. 2 in the Western Conference standings.

While the start to their season has been impressive, Los Angeles could still use some improvement. Rob Pelinka has never been scared to make a move and that won't change this season. It's possible that the Lakers could be active ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Read more: Lakers Could Pull Off Trade to Pair Luka Doncic With Former Teammate

A few names have already come up as possible trade targets. One of those names is none other than Miami Heat small forward Andrew Wiggins.

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Wiggins has been rumored to be a potential target since the offseason. He would be a very intriguing addition for Los Angeles, but the team has received some bad news regarding Wiggins as a possible target.

According to a report from NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Heat don't seem to have interest in trading Wiggins.

“Miami has continued to signal that it won’t be dumping Wiggins for expiring contracts, as it would want real value in the form of a future first-round pick and a player or two who could immediately contribute to its playoff pursuit,” Siegel wrote.

So far this season in Miami, Wiggins has made a very positive impact for the Heat. In 16 games played, the 30-year-old wing has averaged 16.4 points per game to go along with 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and a block. He has shot 47.5 percent from the floor and 35 percent from three-point range.

Read more: Boston Celtics Linked to Major Trade for $97 Million Big Man

Things can change and it's possible that Miami will open up for business when it comes to Wiggins. However, there is also a chance that the Lakers won't have the opportunity to make a move for him.

Only time will tell, but Wiggins is a name to keep an eye on. Los Angeles has been connected for months now. It's very possible that Pelinka and the Lakers' front office will continue to maintain that interest leading up to the deadline.

For all the latest Los Angeles Lakers and NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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