​PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 26: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 26, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 114-102. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) GettyP.J. Washington and Luka Dončić helped lead the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, a partnership that continues to fuel speculation about the Lakers’ interest in reuniting them. GettyAugust has arrived, and the Los Angeles Lakers are still searching for a true answer at the power forward position.Several names have emerged as a potential Lakers target, with the franchise still in hot pursuit of free agent star Jonathan Kuminga, the 23-year-old wingman who split last season with the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors.Dallas Mavericks star P.J. Washington has persisted as a centerpiece name in Lakers trade speculation. There’s no denying the 27-year-old forward, who especially thrived with Luka Doncic as his teammate, would be a dream addition for L.A. A Trade Idea to Get P.J. Washington to the LakersGettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers greets P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)In a hypothetical trade scenario, the Lakers call up the Mavs and Cleveland Cavaliers to execute a deal featuring seven players. Here is a proposed framework:Lakers receive: P.J. Washington and Nae’Qwan TomlinMavs receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, a 2031 first round pick (via CLE) and three second round picksCavs receive: Adou Theio, Bronny James and Dalton KnechtIt is important to reiterate that this trade is purely hypothetical and intended for some fun debate, not to stir emotions. Easy now, Mavs fans!There’s no denying Dallas would be surrendering the best player in this trade, but this framework not only returns four draft picks for a role player in Washington, but also trims nearly $20 million in payroll — a major plus for a young team building for success in the near future.  The Cavs, who send out a first round pick in the deal, land three players with strong upside potential, especially Thiero, who has star written all over him. Just How Realistic is a Washington Trade for L.A.?In a recent Lakers mailbag episode, team insider Jovan Buha outlined what it would take to land Washington in L.A.“Based on how close the Lakers currently are to the first apron, they could not execute a deal like, say, Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht or Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia,” Buha said. “… They key with trading those contracts for the Lakers would be, those are guys you are already not projecting