Jason Timpf says Andrew Wiggins would make the Lakers an elite team
The Los Angeles Lakers have a strong roster right now, but most would agree that they're one or two complementary players short of being a true championship contender. Earlier this summer, there were rumors that they were trying to trade for veteran two-way forward Andrew Wiggins, but those rumors quickly died out.
Podcaster Jason Timpf said on a recent episode of "Hoops Tonight" that landing Wiggins, who was an All-Star starter just three years ago, would make the Lakers an elite team.
'I do think an Andrew Wiggins trade would immediately make the Lakers a top-tier contender. He would immediately address their athleticism and defense needs.
'He specifically, in my opinion, is one of the top tier, if not second, or second tier to top tier, somewhere in that range -- one of the top 10 apex defenders that you could put on an opposing star in a playoff series, and he can do it against multiple different types of stars.
'I also think he just makes a substantial upgrade in athleticism, which is what they would need. I also think he would play really well offensively off of Luka.
'And I think the Lakers could pull off that trade, including Dalton [Knecht] and maybe some second-round compensation and not having to include their first-round pick.'
Wiggins, 29, was a major contributor to the Golden State Warriors when they won the NBA championship in 2022. He was traded to the Miami Heat midway through this past season in the deal that brought Golden State Jimmy Butler, and he doesn't fit the Heat's rebuilding plans.
But Timpf doesn't think the Lakers would actually make a trade for Wiggins, even if the price is right.
'But the Lakers seem uninterested in making that type of deal because of Andrew's age and because of their timeline.'
Plenty think the Lakers are saving salary cap space in order to chase after Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokić either next summer or during the 2027 offseason. Depending on whether they're indeed looking to seriously go after either superstar and the degree of such a pursuit, they may refuse to take on any additional salary for the next year or two, even though Wiggins has a player option for the 2026-27 season.
The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 18.0 points and 5.8 3-point attempts a game while making 37.4% from 3-point range this past season.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
49ers sign veteran running back after one went down with an injury
The San Francisco 49ers entered their Saturday night battle with the Denver Broncos down a few running backs, with Christian McCaffrey sitting out as a precaution and both Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James dealing with injuries. Then, during the game, the 49ers lost running back Ameer Abdullah due to a rib injury on a carry up the middle that also resulted in a lost fumble. While it's unclear how long any of the three will be inactive, the 49ers decided it was best to bring in another running back on Sunday, signing old friend Jeff Wilson Jr., according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Wilson, 29, played collegiately at North Texas from 2014-17, earning All-CUSA honors in his final season with the Mean Green before the San Francisco 49ers signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL draft. He spent 2018-22 in San Francisco, rushing for 1,733 yards and 15 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per attempt and catching 45 passes for an additional 387 yards and four touchdowns in 45 games. Midway through the 2022 season, the 49ers traded Wilson to the Miami Dolphins, reuniting him with head coach Mike McDaniel. From 2022-24, Wilson rushed for 637 yards and three touchdowns on 4.5 yards per attempt and caught 29 passes for 198 yards and one score. Wilson's familiarity with the system should make him an easy plug-and-play option right away in San Francisco, and he honestly could even fight to make the roster despite having just a few weeks to prove his case. More 49ers: 49ers react to Chase Lucas' big night vs. Broncos in preseason opener
USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
Suns rookie Khaman Maluach explains reasoning behind new jersey number
Phoenix Suns rookie Khaman Maluach will begin his career in the NBA with a new jersey number after previously wearing No. 9 last season as a freshman at Duke. Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures 17 times, including a season-high 19 points, 10 rebounds and one blocked shot on Jan. 11 The 7-footer established himself as the 10th pick because of his versatility as a player who can both shoot and defend, boasting a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan. When arriving to the Suns, Maluach didn't have to put much thought into selecting his new jersey number. "I got No. 10 because I was the 10th pick," Maluach said at his introductory press conference on July 7. "I just got No. 10 and it was available, so I decided to take it." Maluach made three appearances with the Suns in the NBA Summer League, averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 35.7% shooting from the field. He debuted with 14 points and five rebounds on July 11 in a win over the Washington Wizards. The 18-year-old has impressed teammates and coaches early on after joining the organization. He showcased each element of his game that attracted the Suns in a small sample size and looks to have positive momentum heading into next season. Maluach is highly thought of by the Suns after the front office turned down trade offers to draft him. The team is eager to work with him and help take his game to the next level.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jeremy Sochan to miss EuroBasket due to calf injury, expected to be ready for Spurs camp
Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan was in Poland training with the nation's national team when he suffered a calf injury that will keep him out of EuroBasket, the Polish Basketball Federation announced. "I am very disappointed, but due to a calf muscle injury, unfortunately, I will not be able to play for Poland at this year's EuroBasket," Sochan said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "I've been working hard for this over the last few months, and the time I trained and played with the national team was amazing. It's a special group and I really enjoyed being a part of this team. Fortunately, the doctors predict that I will be fully healthy by the time the start of the preparation camp before the upcoming NBA season. I want to thank my teammates, coaches and the whole staff, especially the fans in Poland, for their support. I appreciate it very much and know that although I will not be able to be with you, I will support Poland with all my heart." Sochan is headed back to San Antonio to continue his recovery, which, as he said, is not expected to keep him out of training camp. "In the face of injury, Jeremy received professional help in Poland," Spurs GM Brian Wright said in the statement. "Cooperation with the staff and management of KoszKadry has always been exemplary. In this situation, however, the best option is to return to San Antonio." Sochan's mother is from Poland, which led to his connection with their national team. Sochan was the only full-time NBA player on the Polish roster, but they also have Igor Milicic, who played last season at Tennessee and is set to be in the Philadelphia 76ers training camp on an Exhibit 10 contract. Sochan, 22, averaged 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds a game for the Spurs last season and is extension eligible before the season starts (if no deal is reached, the former No. 9 pick will hit restricted free agency next summer).
