The Lakers have explored the possibility of landing Andrew Wiggins, but one NBA executive doubts Miami would ever help make it happen. Speaking to Lakers Daily, the exec said Pat Riley still holds a grudge against LeBron James for leaving the Heat in 2014 and wouldn’t trade Wiggins to Los Angeles under any circumstances.
“I would be stunned if Pat Riley did this trade,” the NBA executive told Lakers Daily. “You really think Pat wants to help LeBron [James]? He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.”
It’s no secret that the Lakers have an eye for Andrew Wiggins, who has two years left on his deal, including a $30.2 million player option. He’d be the perfect player to pair with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, furthering their depth on the wing. Just as rumors were heating up for Wiggins and the Lakers, we are reminded of Pat Riley’s stance on the issue.
He typically avoids helping the Lakers when he can, due to the presence of LeBron James. LeBron signed with Riley’s Heat in 2010 in a major offseason announcement that shook the basketball world, but it didn’t end on good terms. After he came and made a legendary promise to the city, LeBron left after four years and two championships.
Riley felt betrayed in that the Heat never got a chance to bounce back after their 2014 Finals loss. He gave up the chance to return to glory with the Heat and gave up an opportunity for greatness. While LeBron may have no regrets, Riley will never forgive LeBron for leaving as he did and cutting short what should have been a longstanding dynasty with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Even now, he holds a grudge against LeBron that impacts how he does business with his team (the Lakers). While other organizations might have more favorable dealings with the Heat, the Lakers are often left out of discussions altogether to avoid helping them reach their goals.
Currently, the Miami Heat are keeping this approach in talks for Andrew Wiggins, especially since they’d rather keep him. While the Lakers may be showing interest, there are no signs that Riley will make an exception to his rules and play nice with the team that LeBron’s on. Unless Rob Pelinka makes an offer Riley cannot refuse, it means that the Lakers are out of the running for Wiggins.
Now, the front office will have to look elsewhere to find additional support for Doncic. Whether it means trading Austin Reaves or a package with Dalton Knecht, the Lakers will be pressured to go all-in on a riskier target, and it could set them back for years. As it stands, Wiggins makes for a much safer alternative if only they were on better terms with Riley.
For now, it looks like Wiggins-to-L.A. is more dream than reality. The fit makes sense on paper, but with Riley calling the shots in Miami, LeBron’s Lakers may never even get a seat at the table. The front office will have to pivot quickly, because if they can’t land a two-way wing this season, their championship push with Luka and LeBron could stall before it even starts.
