​PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 03: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) GettyPJ Washington of the Dallas Mavericks is dealing with a sprained ankle. GettyThe Los Angeles Lakers offseason has been defined as much by who they lost as who they have added LeBron James’ departure officially pushed Los Angeles into the Luka Doncic era. Rui Hachimura also walked in free agency, leaving the Lakers noticeably thinner on the wing after already lacking size for much of last season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFinding another starting-caliber forward has quickly become one of Rob Pelinka’s biggest priorities, as evidenced by the Lakers’ ongoing pursuit of free agent star Jonathan Kuminga.One player who has frequently surfaced in Lakers speculation is Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington. Although no serious talks between the two teams have materialized, one proposed three-team trade would send Washington to Los Angeles while shipping Bronny James to the Cleveland Cavaliers.Los Angeles Lakers v Portland Trail BlazersGettyPORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 03: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn the proposal, the Lakers receive Washington, while Cleveland acquires Jarred Vanderbilt and Bronny James. Dallas lands Max Strus along with a 2032 first-round pick swap and three second-round picks.Washington spent the last two-plus seasons playing alongside Doncic in Dallas before the Slovenian’s blockbuster move to Los Angeles. (Sorry for bringing it up a gazllionth time, Mavs fans.) During that stretch, Washington served as the Mavericks’ most dependable two-way forwards and someone who was often the beneficiary of one of those “Luka Magic” passes that led to wide open 3-pointers.While the Doncic reunion factor might make this trade more attractive for L.A., Washington would simply be a clean fit in the Lakers system. Washington would fill the vacancy at the wing position and give Los Angeles another trustable player to log heavy minutes.PJ WashingtonGettyP.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWashington has become an important piece of Dallas’ rotation since arriving from the Charlotte Hornets in 2024. But according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Mavs are moving