Luka Doncic's contract extension impact! Reports say Lakers have softened their stance and are willing to upgrade their wing position: Wiggins emerges as a potential target

On September 9th Beijing time, reporter Stein revealed,the Los Angeles Lakers are willing to upgrade their wing position, on the condition that they obtain a player who contributes on offense and defense and can help increase the team’s potential. Stein noted that the Lakers are not seeking trades merely to shuffle the roster but are waiting for suitable chances in the next few months. Wiggins is among the potential trade candidates.

At the start of the offseason, it was believed that the Lakers were reluctant to take on any contracts other than expiring ones; a few weeks ago, multiple reports indicated that the Lakers preferred to preserve salary cap space for the summer of 2027.Stein reported that the Lakers’ stance has "somewhat softened."

Stein pointed out that Wiggins fits the type of player the Lakers might be interested in, although it remains unclear whether the Miami Heat are willing to trade him — recent signals from the Heat suggest they expect the former number one pick to start the new season with the team. However, if the Heat decide to reduce payroll, Wiggins would be a noteworthy trade candidate.

For the 2025-26 season, Wiggins’ salary is approximately $28.2 million, and for 2026-27 he holds a player option worth $30.2 million. Last season, Wiggins played 60 regular-season games, averaging 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

Stein also revealed,that since Luka Doncic signed a three-year contract extension in early August, the Lakers’ pursuit of Wiggins has increased.

Earlier this summer, reports surfaced that the Lakers had engaged in talks with the Heat about trading for Wiggins but found Miami’s asking price "quite high." Lakers reporter Woike stated in mid-July that he was "very sure" the Lakers were not interested in Wiggins at that time, though that was weeks before Doncic’s extension was finalized.