48.4% from three in the playoffs — good enough for third in the entire NBA.
If you had to guess who shot that well, who would you say? Was it Nikola Jokic? Luka Doncic? Lebron James? Jalen Brunson? Karl Anthony Towns? Anthony Edwards?
Actually no, it was none of those guys, rather it was none other than Rui Hachimura.
It’s understandable why some Lakers fans may be calling for Hachimura to be traded — we’ll get into that — but it’s just as important to acknowledge the value he brings. That value makes him a perfect trade target for the Miami Heat.
This hypothetical deal sees the Lakers trading for length, perimeter defense, and a better fit alongside their star duo — while the Heat land one of the league’s most underrated offensive weapons. Here’s why this makes sense for both teams. *THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*
Lakers Trade Rui Hachimura to the Miami Heat Proposal
Miami Heat Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G/F Dalton Knecht, C Maxi Kleber
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Andrew Wiggins & F Jaime Jaquez
The Lakers are stuck between two paths:
- Go all-in for a championship with LeBron James still on the roster.
- Begin a soft reset with an eye toward the future, knowing LeBron could leave in the 2026 offseason — or even be traded midseason.
A move that pairs LeBron and Luka Dončić with elite defensive support would tilt the scales back toward contending now. That’s where Andrew Wiggins comes in.
Why Andrew Wiggins Fits in L.A.
Wiggins brings immediate championship value through elite perimeter defense, length, and playoff experience. At 6’8″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, he’s tailor-made to guard wings like Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards in a playoff series — something the Lakers have desperately needed.
Andrew Wiggins’ 2024 stats (per ESPN): Andrew Wiggins averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 45.0% from the field during the 2024–25 regular season. He also knocked down 37.6% of his three-point attempts, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor.
It’s also important to note: Wiggins is only 30 years old, it’s not like he’s 34 or 35.
Rui Hachimura Stats
Trading Rui Hachimura would hurt — especially offensively. He shot 41.6% from three in the regular season and a blistering 48.4% in the playoffs, emerging as one of the Lakers’ most consistent scoring threats and late-game shooters.
But this deal would be a calculated sacrifice of offense for defense, betting that Dončić and LeBron can carry the offensive load.
Jaime Jaquez Jr for Dalton Knecht?
Dalton Knecht might also be included in a deal like this. Though promising, there’s concern his relationship with the Lakers has already been strained due to past trade rumors. He’d be a valuable asset for a rebuilding team or one looking to develop young talent.
To make salaries match and sweeten the deal for Miami, Jaime Jaquez Jr. could be added. He didn’t get much playing time late in the 2024 season and appears to be on the outside looking in.
If you’ve never watched Jaquez play, he’s a tenacious defender, capable of operating as a point forward in transition. He has a polished low-post game and solid fundamentals. One of his closest comps is Aaron Gordon — and if he ever develops a consistent three-point shot, he could become that type of two-way force.
Rui Hachimura is a Hidden Gem
Miami would be acquiring one of the most undervalued players in the league in Rui Hachimura.
Critics often label him as a poor defender and below-average rebounder, but the truth is that his offensive skill set more than compensates. He’s a third or fourth option who thrives off the dribble, operates well in the mid-post, and is deadly when attacking with momentum.
He was consistently clutch for the Lakers in the fourth quarter and repeatedly delivered in big moments. He can easily fit into any NBA offense and gives Miami a much-needed scoring punch from the forward spot.
Rui is entering the final year of his contract, and the Lakers need to make a decision: Extend him or flip his contract for a much-needed 3-and-D wing like Wiggins While some fans may underestimate Rui’s value, he’s proven to be a productive and efficient scorer — someone who could be a perfect complementary piece to Luka Dončić.
Final Thoughts
This trade proposal might feel like a gamble, but it’s a calculated move for both teams. The Lakers would shore up their defense and strengthen their immediate title window.
The Heat would gain a dynamic scorer to pair with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. If the Lakers are serious about contending this year, this is a deal they absolutely need to consider — even if it means parting with one of their most efficient playoff performers.