NBA Trade Rumors: Insider completely shuts the door on LA Lakers landing $21,124,110 defensive stopper 

The LA Lakers can strike off a potential trade candidate in Dillon Brooks. A rumor linking Brooks with a move to LA emerged on X on Wednesday, which was shot down by Phoenix Suns insider John Gambadoro.

Not only did he call it a "made-up scenario," Gambadoro also claimed that it would never be possible in the future.

"Completely made up. Would never happen," he wrote.

John Gambadoro

@Gambo987

Completely made up. Would never happen.

While there are no concrete rumors linking Brooks to the Lakers, a trade was never out of the question. For starters, LA needs more lockdown defenders and Brooks is one of the best in that department. Secondly, he's making $21.1 million this year with the Suns, and the Lakers have contracts to match it.

They can either ship Rui Hachimura and a minimum contract player or package Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber with draft capital. Another reason why this may have been considered a possibility is the Suns' situation at the trade deadline.

Phoenix isn't projected to be among the contenders. If the Suns are on track for a lottery finish close to the deadline, they can become sellers and move assets like Brooks.

However, for now, Gambadoro has ruled out a potential trade. While he did not expand on his tweet, the reasons could include the Suns' reluctance to help a direct rival and their affinity for Brooks, who has adjusted well to his new surroundings.

He could also be an intriguing asset down the line for a bigger trade, allowing the Suns to pair Devin Booker with a new co-star.

LA Lakers might have to zero in on Andrew Wiggins as trade deadline target

The LA Lakers might have to shift their focus to Andrew Wiggins, who could be a more realistic candidate at the deadline. The Miami Heat have a relatively low ceiling and have reportedly had conversations with LA.

While talks didn't advance then, things could change at the halfway point of the season if the Lakers become more aggressive and give in to the Heat's demand for a first-round pick. There's also a world where Miami reduces its price if Wiggins has a limited market.

Either way, it would be a massive win for the LA Lakers to land the former No.1 pick. He would address their fifth starter problem and immediately slot in as their premier defensive stopper.

Unlike Jarred Vanderbilt and Marcus Smart, who are potent threats in isolation, Wiggins can generate offense, making him a more suitable candidate.