​Reworded: Lakers face uncertain path with PJ Washington trade chatter, a piece originally published by The Sporting News. The article also invites readers to add The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. While the Lakers are hoping to slot their final roster spot with former Golden State lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga, the club could consider other options as well. One such possibility is gritty Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, though a recent report suggests the Lakers are unlikely to pursue the Kentucky product this summer. The California Post’s Khobi Price noted Wednesday that, despite longstanding trade chatter linking the Lakers to Washington, the fully guaranteed $88.8 million he is owed over the next four years makes the deal unattractive to Los Angeles.
Some might argue Washington would fit more seamlessly with the Lakers than Kuminga. At 27, he is a more polished offensive player (even if his three-point stroke can be inconsistent), has built a reputation for contributing on both ends of the floor, and is a stronger rebounder than several players listed at 6-foot-10 and taller. Names like Myles Turner and Jaren Jackson Jr. come to mind as high-rebound, bigger-bodied centers, and Washington has shown the ability to do a little bit of everything defensively.
Washington enjoyed several notable moments playing alongside Doncic in Dallas, posting averages of 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 45.0% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range. For the Lakers, it would be helpful to know they could pivot to Washington if the Kuminga pursuit stalls, but that scenario does not seem feasible at present.
In other NBA updates, the Lakers officially ended ties with a disgruntled superstar valued at $101 million and a four-time NBA champion. Speculation has Spurs reportedly expected to outbid the Warriors for a $101 million Lakers star, and Luka Doncic recently sent a clear message to the Lakers about roster decisions they cannot ignore as part of a broader strategy to optimize their roster and their SEO reach.