LeBron James Gives Verdict on Lakers Trade Target and What Sets His Team Apart

LA Lakers star LeBron James spoke highly of the team's rumored trade target, Miami Heat's Andrew Wiggins. The Heat have surprised fans with how well they've performed in the 2025-26 NBA season. After trading Jimmy Butler last season, no one expected Miami to have one of the best starts to the new campaign.

James and Steve Nash, his co-host on "Mind the Game," discussed how teams have used screenless offenses on Thursday's episode. The two teams they focused on were the Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies.

During their talk, James complimented one of Wiggins' best abilities, which has helped the Heat succeed.

“I got to see it first hand of how fast that they’re playing and pick-and-roll-less style of basketball that they’re playing,” James said (Timestamp: 32:19).

“Bam [Adebayo] has had a couple of games this year … where he’s had multiple 3-pointers made and that is helping them as well … You got those guys, you got Jaime Jaquez who’s very fast with the ball. [Andrew] Wiggins is very good downhill. Davion Mitchell, very good downhill. Norman Powell, very good downhill.”

LeBron James said that the Heat's style of play fits their personnel and demographic. He also complimented his former coach, Erik Spoelstra, as one of the greatest coaches. The four-time champion said Spo's continued growth and adaptability are based on the team's roster.

Wiggins has been linked to the Lakers via league insider Jake Fischer. According to Fischer, LA is monitoring the Heat if they make the Canadian star available before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

NBACentral

@TheDunkCentral

The Lakers have continued to monitor Andrew Wiggins to see if the Heat make him available, per @JakeLFischer (Via @BleacherReport )

Wiggins has appeared in 16 games, averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He provides size, athleticism and outside shooting, as well as commendable defense.

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LeBron James reveals game plan against the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the teams LeBron James and Steve Nash talked about that have used a screenless offense. In the latest episode of their podcast, the Lakers star revealed the effective game plan against the Grizzlies.

According to James, the focus will always be on Ja Morant. His ability to break down a defense by driving into the paint tends to collapse the opponent's defense. With Morant inside the paint, his teammates wait for his pass outside the 3-point range.

“The point of attack has always been Ja [Morant], and then finding Jaren Jackson Jr. in trail spots,” James said.

LeBron James said that it was even more stressful when Desmond Bane was on the team. Bane is a player who shoots a career 40.7% from deep, making him a serious threat.

Unlike the Heat, however, the Grizzlies have not performed well this season. Memphis is 7-12, putting them at the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings.