The Lakers are pursuing Wiggins! Can Bradley Beal join them?

The Lakers have now lost three straight games after falling to the Rockets.

Adding insult to injury, Reeves sustained a grade 2 calf injury and will be reassessed in four weeks.

Yesterday after the game, Reddick openly addressed the media during the press conference.

He disclosed that the team had already conducted a rather unpleasant review and video session after losing to the Suns to tackle issues like players being careless, not defending properly, and failing to rotate on defense.

Yet, the problems have not gotten any better.

He went further to say that some players are unwilling to make “that choice,” and it’s always those same individuals who refuse to change.

At the same time, Reddick warned that he has already informed the players to prepare for another “uncomfortable” training and video review session tomorrow.

Who is he targeting with these remarks? Everyone probably has their own interpretation.

Here’s my personal take on it.

During the third quarter against the Rockets, there was a moment when Doncic sat down on the floor with his hands raised in frustration over a call, and the Rockets took advantage to launch a fast break.

This was the clearest example of the Lakers’ defense being nonexistent.

Additionally, LeBron’s plus-minus rating was the lowest on the court at -33.

Throughout his long career, there have only been two games where his plus-minus was worse, both while he was with the Cavaliers:

-34 against the Warriors in January 2016, and -39 versus the Timberwolves in January 2018.

Those who understand know exactly where the Lakers’ problems lie.

Add in Reeves, Ayton, Hachimura, Kleber... with such defensive support, how can the team not struggle? No matter how the coach arranges the lineup, improvement is hard to come by.

Reddick’s job is tough because it’s difficult to demand these two veterans to defend properly...

Given this, if change is desired, there is only one option left: a trade.

According to reporter Sidery,the Lakers and Heat have resumed trade talks regarding Wiggins.

Since the offseason, Beal has been the Lakers’ top target, with the Bucks also showing interest at the time.

From a team-building perspective, this approach clearly makes sense.

Doncic needs elite support around him.

If Beal joins, he would undoubtedly elevate the Lakers.

Beal can quickly become the team’s most versatile perimeter defender, combining height and physicality to guard multiple positions, having proven himself on the Finals stage.

Moreover, he offers consistent offensive production.

This season with the Heat, he’s averaging 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1 steal, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Everyone knows Beal fits well, so the cost will certainly be high.

Since the initial negotiations, the Heat have remained firm on their demands for draft pick compensation.

The Lakers, wanting to keep their first-round pick to remain competitive in the 2027 trade market, are reluctant to give it up.

This is the main point of contention.

There are also rumors that Riley has not forgiven LeBron for leaving the Heat as a free agent in 2014 to return to the Cavaliers and is unwilling to assist the Lakers.

This is likely a media-fabricated story.

But it’s well known that dealing with Riley is tough. Whether you profit or not, he refuses to lose out, which explains why the Heat have struggled to recruit star players over the years...

From the Lakers’ perspective,

on one hand, we have to see if Reddick can adjust after his harsh criticism.

If the team manages to perform decently without Reeves, then there’s no rush.

Before the new season started, we already said this is a transitional year for the Lakers. The idea of contending for a championship is just a fan’s hopeful wish.

On the other hand, the Lakers have other targets like Jones from the Pelicans and Ellis from the Kings.

These players share similar profiles, and the Lakers’ aim is to improve defense. However, given their current assets, it will be difficult to acquire them without giving up a first-round pick.

Finally, speaking from my personal feelings, of course, I hope to see this scenario happen...