Luka Dončić and LeBron James will look to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the promised land in 2025-26 after a shocking first-round postseason exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Los Angeles lacked sufficient scoring assistance from the team’s supporting cast, and their general manager Rob Pelinka’s goal may be to supply their generational duo with a capable offensive threat, preferably at the forward position.
Fortunately for Pelinka, the Dallas Mavericks could once again be viewed as a suitable trade partner for the franchise to land an important piece, as recent reports indicate that their skilled forward P.J. Washington may become available in the coming months.
“With the incoming arrival of Cooper Flagg, teams are expecting the Mavericks to make PJ Washington available on the trade market for a rotational upgrade this summer,” Forbes’ Evan Sidery shared via Twitter/X on Tuesday.
“Washington becomes extension-eligible in August, which should bring a potentially strong market from contenders.”
Though the Lakers might not be able to offer Dallas an immediate upgrade outside of possibly Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles could instead offer a package aimed at improving the Mavericks’ future.
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In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers could ship their No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Dalton Knecht and the expiring contract of Gabe Vincent to the Mavericks in exchange for Washington and the expiring deal of veteran big man Dwight Powell.
Washington became a major part of the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals alongside Dončić after being dealt to Dallas from the Charlotte Hornets at the mid-season mark in 2023-24. He then followed it up with a solid 2024-25 campaign, increasing his trade stock for this offseason.
In 57 appearances for the Mavericks this past regular season, the 26-year-old wing averaged 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds while knocking down 38.1% of his attempts from the three-point line.
Due to his underrated athleticism and confident shooting stroke, he could be a perfect addition to the Lakers’ rotation for 2025-26.
Both James and Dončić have always thrived while playing with rangy, athletic forwards that can sink shots at a consistent rate from distance, and Washington has already proven to be a crucial contributor for an NBA Finals roster.
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