Lakers linked to mega three-team LeBron James trade for $109 million ex-Warriors All-Star

The Miami Heat may not be finished making moves after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday, which could benefit the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.

Bleacher's Report's Eric Pincus has a hunch that the Lakers could soon get involved in a LeBron James-centered three-team deal with the Heat and Utah Jazz to acquire a former Golden State Warriors All-Star.

“(Andrew) Wiggins shoots the ball well, and can either come as a straight trade, opting into his final year at $30.2 million, or he can opt out of his contract and come to the Lakers via sign-and-trade on a three-year deal starting at a lower figure, perhaps at $25 million starting ($78.8 million total),” Pincus wrote Friday.

“The Lakers part with most of their current roster, assuming Ayton opts in to play alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen in Utah's (Jazz) frontcourt. L.A. stays over the NBA's salary cap, instead of going under as expected, enabling the franchise to retain Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes."

"However, the total budget for all four would be $38.3 million. Wiggins at $25 million would bring that total to $43.3 million.”

Pincus full trade proposal would send LeBron James, Bronny James, Bez Mbeng, and a $10.2 million trade exception to the Miami Heat, Wiggins, Walker Kessler, and a $6 million trade exception to the Lakers, and Deandre Ayton, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2033 first-round pick to the Jazz.

Wiggins is exactly what the Lakers are looking for in a wing. The 6-foot-6 NBA champion’s polished shot preparation process, transition scoring ability, instinctual slashing, and slightly above-average perimeter defense would make him an impactful contributor alongside Luka Doncic in Los Angeles from the get-go.

Wiggins averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with the Heat last season, shooting 47.5% from the field and 41.4% from three in 68 games with the Heat last year.

Pincus’ thought-provoking trade concept would go a long way toward helping the Lakers field a frightening roster that could stack up well against anyone. 

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