The Los Angeles Lakers have had arguably the busiest offseason of any team, but they have yet to wrap their arms around a true starting power forward.
The departures of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura — who is statistically the best 3-point shooter in NBA playoff history — Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart left the Lakers searching for options on the wing.
Although the Lakers have been in hot pursuit of Atlanta Hawks free agent star Jonathan Kuminga, it’s starting to feel like Kuminga, former lottery pick, might land elsewhere. That turns the attention back to Dallas Mavericks star P.J. Washington, who has been one of the most frequently mentioned players in trade speculation this offseason, especially in conjunction with Luka Doncic and the Lakers.
Time for the Lakers to Go All-in for P.J. Washington?
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 09: P.J. Washington #25 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks high five during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 09, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
There may be some stumbling blocks for the Lakers in acquiring Washington, but they’re worth navigating. Kuminga is young and has huge upside potential. Other options may be cheaper to acquire. But Washington is a proven starter, has rapport with Luka Doncic and is in his prime. That’s the player the Lakers need.
In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers engage the Mavs, Timberwolves and Pistons to discuss a massive four-team framework that moves multiple players around and sends Washington to Los Angeles. Here is a proposed framework
Lakers receive: P.J. Washington
Mavs receive: Donte DiVincenzo, a 2030 first round pick (via DET), a 2030 second round pick (via MIN) and two second round picks from L.A.
Pistons receive: Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht
It is important to reiterate that this trade is hypothetical and intended as a fun suggestion … and yes, to pump up L.A. fans just a smidge.
So, why might all four teams agree to this trade?
Why L.A., Dallas, Minnesota and Detroit Do the Deal
The Mavs are in a transition period. After acquiring rising star forward Santi Aldama and handing a four-year, $52 million contract extension to forward Naji Marshall, the Mavs have roughly $334 million invested into their frontcourt. Now that Dallas has drafted outstanding rookie forward Morez Johnson Jr. they’ll have some decision to make, and with Washington on a larger contract, he could be the first to go.
According to NBA insider Jovan Buha, Washington, a former first round pick, is a more obtainable trade target than before.
“With Dallas being on a different timeline now, and Dallas looking at guys more in their early to mid 20s … I think this continues to confirm that Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington are available and just don’t fit the timeline with Dallas,” Buha said on “Buha’s Block.”
Added Buha: “Because they’re available or because they’re looking to trade them, it doesn’t they’re just going to trade them for anything,” Buha warns. “They have been asking for a first round pick. No one has met that demanding price yet. … PJ Washington is now more gettable.”
Dallas would land a first round pick and a proven playoff starter in DiVincenzo to serve as an excellent back up for star point guard Kyrie Irving.
Meanwhile, Minnesota would land a starting power forward — something they don’t necessarily have as currently constructed — in Vanderbilt, the 27-year-old defensive ace, while the depth-needy Pistons acquire three young prospects, one of them, Adou Theiro, with All-Star potential.
The Lakers, still searching for an answer at power forward, would get arguably the best option out there in Washington. A well-established Luka Doncic teammate, Washington would cleanly slot into the Lakers starting lineup.
Lakers 4-Team Trade Pitch Lands P.J. Washington in Blockbuster 6-Player Deal