The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to nearly every big name that could hit the market since Luka Dončić joined the franchise. One of the latest players tied to Lakers trade rumors was Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington. But according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the speculation doesn’t hold up.
Washington, 27, was seen by some as a possible odd man out in Dallas after the team drafted No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and already had Anthony Davis locked in long-term. Given that Washington is entering the final year of his $14.15 million deal, it was easy for Lakers chatter to surface. But Stein reported that Washington is “likely” to receive a four-year contract extension worth close to $90 million from Dallas, effectively shutting down any Lakers trade rumors.
Tyler Watts of Lake Show Life argued that Washington’s two-way skill set would be an ideal complement for Dončić, noting his ability to rebound, defend multiple positions, and knock down open threes.
Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors: Insider Shuts Down P.J. Washington Speculation
That doesn’t mean LA won’t continue searching for a complementary big man. They could open up as much as $60 million in cap space with the contracts of LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Maxi Kleber all set to expire.
In 86 games with the Mavericks, Washington has averaged 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. His defensive versatility and playoff experience during Dallas’ 2024 Finals run make him the type of player the Lakers could realistically pursue if he hits the open market.
For now, the Lakers trade rumor involving Washington is off the table, but his connection with Dončić and his fit in Los Angeles make him a name worth monitoring in the seasons ahead.