TRADE OVERVIEW:

Los Angeles Lakers Received: Andrew Wiggins and Jakob Poeltl

Miami Heat Received: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap, 2025 #55 overall Second-Round Pick

Toronto Raptors Received: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and 2031 Top 5 Protected First-Round Pick

SIGNING:

• Lakers resign Nickel Walker Alexander to a 4 year/59m

• Lakers sign Jackson Hayes to a minimum contract

TRADE EXPLANATION:

Los Angeles Lakers - The Lakers retool and tried to get better. LA needs a two-way wing and a defensive-minded center. Wiggins brings perimeter defense and playoff DNA perfect alongside Doncic and Reaves. Poeltl adds rebounding, rim protection, and roll-threat finishing something that lakers need after AD was traded. They signed Nickel Alexander Walker who can be a great bench piece and resigning jackson hayes for a backup center.

Miami Heat - Miami uses this deal to retool on the margins without giving up a core piece. Rui gives them size and scoring versatility at the forward spot, while Vanderbilt can make them a more versatile defensive team. They got a pick swap and a second-round pick as well.

Toronto Raptors - Toronto gets long-term value. They got 2 expiring contracts that can make a nice salary flexibility. Most importantly, they get a 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers a premium asset. This aligns with their rebuild timeline.

PROJECTED ROTATION:

PG: Luka Doncic

SG: Austin Reaves

SF: Andrew Wiggins

PF: LeBron James

C: Jakob Poeltl

PG: Jordan Goodwin

SG: Nickel Walker Alexander

SF: Dalton Knecht

PF: Dorian Finney Smith

C: Jackson Hayes