The Los Angeles Lakers may appear set for the 2025–26 season, but the real intrigue could come next summer. With LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent all headed for potential free agency in 2026, the Lakers could be staring at an unusually clean slate around Luka Dončić.
The question is how Los Angeles chooses to use that flexibility. One analyst believes the answer lies in a familiar face.
Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts argued this week that the Lakers should look to reunite Dončić with former Dallas Mavericks teammate P.J. Washington, who will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
“The 6’7 forward thrived as a starter during the Mavericks’ 2024 run to the NBA Finals, led by the Lakers’ newest superstar,” Watts wrote. “Washington is an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason, and Dallas has Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg locked in at the forward spots. Washington should look to move on and team up with number 77 in LA.”
A Potential Hachimura Replacement
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The Lakers’ most pressing need remains on the wing, where consistent 3-and-D production has been scarce. Hachimura could depart in free agency, and while Austin Reaves has a strong chance of staying on a new deal, Los Angeles still lacks versatile defensive forwards to complement its stars.
Washington’s profile fits neatly into that gap.
Last season with Dallas, the former Charlotte Hornets forward averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 32.2 minutes per game. He shot 35.8 percent from deep across his career, offering enough floor spacing to punish defenses that collapse on Dončić.
“Getting a versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions, rebounding, and knocking down open looks is a win for any contender,” Watts explained. “The Lakers could slot Washington in as the defender to cover for Luka and Austin Reaves on that end of the floor. LA needs both stars to compete on defense and let someone else take on the toughest assignments. Washington did just that for Dončić and Kyrie Irving in Dallas and could play a similar role with the Lakers.”
Washington’s defensive versatility and rebounding also position him as an upgrade over Hachimura, who remains more polished offensively but struggles to consistently impact games on the other end.
Bond Beyond the Court
What makes the speculation more compelling is the personal connection between Dončić and Washington. The two forged a close relationship in Dallas that extended beyond the hardwood.
Ahead of Dončić’s March 2025 return to Dallas with the Lakers, Washington was effusive in his praise.
“I expect him to bring his ‘A’ game,” Washington said, via The Athletic. “Knowing just the player he is, the mentality he brings to the game, I know he’s going to be ready as soon as we get out there. But obviously, we can’t wait to compete against him. We miss him. At the end of the day, he’s our brother.”
That bond could matter. The Lakers have prioritized making Dončić feel fully invested in Los Angeles since acquiring him in 2024. Adding Washington would be both a roster upgrade and a gesture of goodwill toward their new franchise cornerstone.
Lakers Cap Space and Timing
The financial picture only makes such a move more plausible. If Los Angeles allows James, Ayton, Smart, Hachimura, and others to hit free agency, the franchise could free up close to $60 million in cap space by the summer of 2026.
Watts expects Washington’s next deal to hover around $20 million annually, a number the Lakers could comfortably absorb while still leaving room for another significant addition.
“Washington is the perfect 3-and-D forward target,” Watts concluded. “He will likely be searching for a new home, and there is no better place than reuniting with Luka Dončić.”
Lakers Trade Rumors: The Bigger Picture
Dallas’ blueprint for winning with Dončić was clear during its Finals run: pair him with one ball-dominant co-star, then surround the duo with two-way role players. Los Angeles appears to be working from the same playbook, with Reaves in the secondary-creator role.
Washington checks the next box — a rugged, multipositional defender who can hit open shots and absorb the toughest defensive assignments. If the Lakers want to maximize Dončić’s prime, moves like this may be less rumor mill fodder than long-term strategy.