Lakers should acquire former Warriors NBA champion forward after Luka Doncic news, per writer

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a statement to begin the offseason.

Entering free agency, the organization received heavy criticism for the non-existent frontcourt depth and average perimeter defense. 

Fortunately, Los Angeles addressed those weaknesses swiftly, signing Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, as well as re-signing Jaxson Hayes. 

More importantly, Luka Doncic provided the Lakers with a long-term commitment on Saturday, inking a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the franchise.

That said, ClutchPoints’ Jedd Pagaduan believes the Lakers should cap off their successful summer by adding a former Golden State Warriors NBA champion forward.

"This offseason has been a rather eventful one for the Los Angeles Lakers," Pagaduan wrote Sunday. "And they may not be done making moves yet.

"Now that they've received extra security for their future after Luka Doncic decided to sign a three-year, $165 million extension to stay until at least the 2027-28 season, they could very well be more aggressive when it comes to making moves — especially with LeBron James putting so much pressure on the team to turn the team into a surefire championship contender."

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“Since the Lakers believe that they can turn back the clock to 2022 anyway with the addition of Smart, why not make another gamble in the form of (Andrew) Wiggins?”

“Alas, the Miami Heat have reportedly been very difficult to negotiate with, and as such, the Lakers appear to be setting their sights elsewhere. But Wiggins might be the attainable piece at the end of the day, as 3-and-D wings are at a premium in today's NBA.”

Wiggins positively altered his image when he arrived in the Bay midway through the 2019-20 campaign.

Following a mediocre 5.5-year stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the former No. 1 overall pick transformed into an immediate impact contributor with the Dubs. 

Wiggins secured his first championship in 2022, flourishing as Golden State’s No. 4 scoring option during the franchise’s electric title run. 

The Kansas product averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in 22 playoff contests. 

However, the Warriors traded Wiggins to the Heat this past February, forcing him to find his way with the Jimmy Butler-less Eastern Conference organization. 

Spacing-wise, Wiggins would be a valuable addition to a Lakers squad hoping to right their wrongs next season. 

The former McDonald’s All-American has been a respectable long-range threat for five consecutive seasons, making him a logical perimeter-oriented threat to pair with Luka Doncic in Los Angeles. 

Wiggins’ speciality, though, is getting downhill in a hurry and finishing above the rim, which would also be displayed in a purple and gold uniform. 

Will the Lakers view Wiggins as the missing piece to puzzle? Time will tell.

More NBA: Lakers forward predicted to leave Los Angeles to ring-chase with Stephen Curry, Warriors