Lakers linked to PJ Washington trade as Luka Doncic Plan B
The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to a realistic trade framework that would land Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington as a starting-caliber wing and former Luka Doncic teammate. The reported package sends Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and a 2031 Wizards second-round pick to Dallas—but Washington's fully guaranteed $88.8 million contract may still give the Lakers pause.
According to BasketNews, Washington surfaced as a hypothetical Lakers target on Jovan Buha's podcast and could emerge as a Plan B if Los Angeles fails to land restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The Lakers still need a starting forward after adding Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and other pieces this summer.
Key Takeaways
- A reported Lakers-Mavericks framework would send P.J. Washington to Los Angeles for Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and a 2031 Wizards second-round pick.
- Washington played alongside Luka Doncic during Dallas' 2024 NBA Finals run and fits the Lakers' reported "Dallas 2.0" 3-and-D roster vision.
- The salaries match on paper, but Khobi Price of The California Post reported the Lakers find Washington's four-year, $88.8 million deal unappealing.
- Los Angeles remains focused on Jonathan Kuminga first, with Atlanta reportedly demanding a 2032 first-round pick swap in any sign-and-trade.
- Dallas holds leverage with a crowded frontcourt but may push for additional draft compensation before moving Washington.
What Would the Lakers Send to the Mavericks?
Under the framework examined by BasketNews, the Lakers would receive Washington while Dallas gets Vanderbilt, Knecht, and a second-round pick originally acquired from Washington in the Deandre Ayton trade. Washington is set to earn about $19.8 million in 2026-27, while Vanderbilt carries a $12.4 million salary and Knecht sits on a rookie-scale deal worth roughly $4.2 million.
That outgoing salary puts the framework close enough to satisfy NBA matching rules, depending on Los Angeles' final apron standing. The Lakers would keep their more valuable 2032 first-round pick swap out of this particular proposal.
Why Does P.J. Washington Fit Next to Luka Doncic?
Washington is not a new name around Staples Center trade circles. He is a proven fit beside Doncic from their shared time in Dallas, where complementary forwards helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals. Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix previously noted the Lakers wanted more "Dorian Finney-Smith, P.J. Washington type" players around Doncic.
Last season, Washington averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 56 games with 53 starts. He shot 32.5% from three last year but carries a 35.4% career mark from deep. He defends multiple positions, rebounds, and brings playoff experience the Lakers lack at forward.
Why Might the Lakers Walk Away From This Deal?
Despite the on-court fit, multiple outlets report Los Angeles is unlikely to absorb Washington's contract. Lakers Nation cited Price writing that the fully guaranteed $88.8 million owed over four years "isn't appealing to the Lakers." Sporting News framed the same report as bad news for fans hoping Washington could replace LeBron James as a smoother fallback than Kuminga.
The Lakers already have Walker Kessler, Austin Reaves, Grimes, and Mamukelashvili on multi-year deals they view as fair value. Washington's contract could become harder to move later if his production does not improve in purple and gold.
Do the Mavericks Have Reason to Make This Trade?
For Dallas, roster balance is the main selling point. The Mavericks carry a crowded frontcourt that includes Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, and others. BasketNews noted Dallas could still push for an extra second-round pick or even the 2032 first-round pick swap because Vanderbilt alone does not replicate Washington's two-way value.
Nothing is finalized, and the Lakers' Kuminga pursuit remains the domino that could decide how seriously both front offices engage. For more on the latest roster moves and star-linked deals, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage as training camp approaches.