The Los Angeles Lakers have explored a possible commerce for Dallas Mavericks ahead PJ Washington, however Jonathan Kuminga stays the franchise’s most popular wing goal because the offseason market continues to evolve.
In accordance with Evan Sidery, the Lakers just lately checked in with Dallas relating to Washington. Sidery added that after the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade between the 2 franchises, it stays unclear whether or not Mavericks possession would approve one other important take care of Los Angeles. He additionally famous Washington has emerged as a contingency possibility if the Lakers fail to accumulate Kuminga.
The Lakers’ curiosity in Washington is comprehensible given his historical past alongside Doncic in Dallas. The 27-year-old ahead established robust chemistry with the Slovenian star after arriving from the Charlotte Hornets in the course of the 2023-24 season, serving to the Mavericks attain the NBA Finals that 12 months.
Washington stays a productive two-way ahead coming into the 2026-27 season. He averaged 14.2 factors, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks throughout 56 video games in 2025-26 whereas taking pictures 45.0% from the sector and 32.5% from three-point vary. Over seven NBA seasons, he has averaged 13.3 factors and 6.0 rebounds whereas taking pictures 44.8% total and 35.4% from past the arc.
Regardless of that manufacturing, Washington’s contract has reportedly grow to be a big impediment. In accordance with Khobi Value of the California Submit, the Lakers have cooled on the idea due to his long-term monetary dedication. Washington is underneath contract for 3 extra seasons as a part of a four-year, $88.8 million extension, a deal that will additional tighten Los Angeles’ wage construction.
The Lakers have already made a number of costly strikes this offseason after LeBron James’ departure. They acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and signed him to a four-year, $130 million contract whereas additionally giving Austin Reaves a four-year, $185 million maximum extension. Los Angeles moreover added Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney, leaving the membership hard-capped on the first apron.
That monetary actuality has saved Kuminga on the heart of the Lakers’ plans as a result of a sign-and-trade might provide better flexibility. Atlanta is reportedly willing to help facilitate such a deal after declining Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, with earlier discussions involving Jarred Vanderbilt and future draft compensation heading to the Hawks.
Kuminga averaged 12.3 factors, 5.3 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists in 16 video games with Atlanta after arriving from the Golden State Warriors in the course of the 2025-26 season. Throughout 5 NBA seasons, he owns profession averages of 12.5 factors and 4.2 rebounds, along with his breakout marketing campaign coming in 2023-24 when he averaged 16.1 factors on 52.9% taking pictures.
Los Angeles completed 53-29 final season, gained the Pacific Division and reached the Western Convention semifinals earlier than being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The entrance workplace has since targeted on constructing round Doncic, who averaged 33.5 factors, 8.3 assists and seven.7 rebounds in the course of the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
