Lakers Named ‘Obvious Boogeyman' for All-Star Wing in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are the one team everybody has their eyes on this summer. LeBron James’ future remains at the center of it all, with the 41-year-old superstar set to hit free agency, while Austin Reaves reportedly plans on becoming a free agent instead of opting into his $14.9 million player option. And all of the decisions L.A. will make will be based on how the franchise plans to build around Luka Doncic.

With Luka’s occasional struggles on defense, the Lakers need to add aggressive, athletic wings who’ll make up for his shortcomings. Rui Hachimura is set to hit unrestricted free agency, Marcus Smart has a player option decision to make at 32 years old, and Jarred Vanderbilt, the only Laker currently locked in on the wing, averaged just 17.4 minutes per game last season.

That’s why one name everybody’s had their sights set on for a while now is Andrew Wiggins.

On Wednesday, June 17, CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn dropped his top 40 free agent rankings, slotting Wiggins at No. 8 overall. At 31, Wiggins holds a $30 million player option with the Miami Heat, but Quinn argues opting out and forcing the Heat to the table makes more sense, especially with the Lakers circling, who he calls the “obvious bogeyman.”

“The time for Wiggins to cash in on another long-term deal is now, and considering how limited their means of replacing him would be, it would probably behoove Wiggins to opt out and force Miami to the table. The Lakers are an obvious boogeyman if he does so,” Quinn wrote. “Wiggins remains a high-level defensive forward who can shoot 3s and create his own looks. He’s been an essential component of a championship team. He’s probably on the back nine, but is still a high-level player worthy of a rich, multi-year deal.”

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Wiggins averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game last season, while shooting 47.5% from the field and a career-high 41.4% from 3-point range. That’s the exact type of player that would slot perfectly next to Doncic. He’s a versatile wing who can guard opposing teams’ best perimeter players while spreading the floor and attacking the rim, which can open up space for both Doncic and Reaves.

Fit aside, Wiggins also brings something money can’t buy: championship experience. He’s been in the league for 12 years and was named an All-Star and won an NBA title in 2022 with the Golden State Warriors. There’s a reason why the Lakers have been linked to Wiggins as a potential trade target for years.

The notion of putting him next to Doncic and Reaves would give the Lakers one of the most balanced and versatile starting units in the Western Conference. That’s why, with this likely being his last big contract, opting out and forcing Miami to the table, knowing the Lakers are waiting, is the best move Wiggins can make this summer.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 12:30 PM.