The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to make a seismic move in the NBA, setting their sights on a blockbuster acquisition that could reshape the league: Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington. With the Mavericks expected to sign Washington to a lucrative four-year, $90 million contract extension, the Lakers see a golden opportunity to reunite Washington with superstar Luka Doncic, leveraging their past chemistry to create a championship-caliber roster. This bold strategy, rooted in patience and financial flexibility, could redefine the Lakers’ future and send shockwaves through the NBA.
Why P.J. Washington Is the Perfect Target
P.J. Washington’s appeal to the Lakers is undeniable. His two-way versatility, playoff pedigree, and proven synergy with Doncic during the Mavericks’ 2024 NBA Finals run make him an ideal fit for Los Angeles. Washington’s skill set complements the Lakers’ needs alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, offering a dynamic forward who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and thrive in high-pressure moments. His 2024-25 season stats underscore his value:
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Points: 14.7 per game
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Rebounds: 7.8 per game
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Assists: 2.3 per game
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Blocks: 1.1 per game
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Steals: 1.1 per game
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Three-Point Shooting: 38.1% on 1.6 made threes per game
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Field Goal Percentage: 45.3%
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Free Throw Percentage: 72.2%
Washington’s ability to deliver in the clutch was evident in the 2024 playoffs, where he erupted for three consecutive 20-point games against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, proving he can shine on the biggest stage.
The Extension: A Game-Changer for Trade Talks
Washington is currently on an expiring contract, set to earn $14,152,174 in the 2025-26 season before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2026. While matching his current salary is feasible for the Lakers, convincing Dallas to part with a key starter for a modest return is a tall order. However, NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that Washington is eligible for a four-year extension worth just under $90 million, with league sources indicating a deal is likely. This extension, starting at approximately $22.5 million in 2026-27, could paradoxically make a trade more attainable for Los Angeles.
A long-term contract increases Washington’s trade value and provides the Lakers with greater salary-matching flexibility. Instead of scrambling to match his expiring $14.2 million deal, the Lakers can leverage higher-value assets in 2026, when their cap space is projected to improve. This development delays immediate trade talks but opens the door for a blockbuster deal in the 2026 offseason.
Current Trade Options: A Tough Sell
Under Washington’s current expiring contract, the Lakers could propose trades like the following:
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Option 1: Dalton Knecht + Jarred Vanderbilt for P.J. Washington
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Option 2: Dalton Knecht + Gabe Vincent for P.J. Washington
While these packages align salaries, they face significant hurdles:
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Vanderbilt’s Injury History: His limited availability reduces his trade appeal.
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Vincent’s Free Agency: As an unrestricted free agent in 2026, Vincent offers little long-term value to Dallas.
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Washington’s Importance: The Mavericks highly value Washington’s contributions, making them reluctant to accept these offers.
These constraints make an immediate trade unlikely, as Dallas would demand more substantial compensation for a player integral to their Finals run.
Post-Extension Trade Scenarios: A Brighter Path
A new $90 million extension changes the calculus. With Washington’s salary jumping to $22.5 million in 2026-27, the Lakers can craft more compelling offers. Potential trade packages include:
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Straight Swap:
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Lakers Send: Rui Hachimura
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Mavericks Send: P.J. Washington (via sign-and-trade)
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Hachimura’s contract aligns closely with Washington’s new salary, making this a clean, one-for-one deal that could appeal to Dallas.
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Depth Package:
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Lakers Send: Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, and draft compensation
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Mavericks Send: P.J. Washington
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This package offers Dallas a mix of young talent, defensive versatility, and future assets, sweetening the deal for a team looking to retool around Luka Doncic.
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These scenarios benefit from the Lakers’ improved cap flexibility in 2026 and the increased trade value of a long-term contract, making Dallas more open to negotiations.
The Luka Connection: A Championship Blueprint
The Lakers’ pursuit of Washington isn’t just about his individual talent—it’s about recreating the magic he shared with Luka Doncic. During their time together in Dallas, Washington thrived as a complementary piece, stretching the floor, finishing lobs, and defending across positions. Reuniting them in Los Angeles could unlock a devastating partnership, with Doncic’s playmaking amplifying Washington’s versatility. Paired with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, this core could form a championship juggernaut capable of dominating both ends of the floor.
Why Patience Pays Off
While the extension delays a trade until at least 2026, it enhances the Lakers’ chances of landing Washington. As Maxwell Ogden noted, “Contrary to what one might think, this development actually makes it easier for the Lakers to acquire Washington during the 2026 offseason.” By waiting, the Lakers can leverage improved cap space, expiring contracts, and draft assets to craft an offer Dallas can’t refuse. Additionally, Washington’s long-term deal ensures he remains a valuable asset rather than a rental, aligning with the Lakers’ goal of building a sustainable contender.
The Bigger Picture
Acquiring P.J. Washington would be a statement move for the Lakers, signaling their intent to dominate the NBA landscape. His two-way prowess, playoff experience, and chemistry with Doncic make him a perfect fit for a team chasing its 18th championship. While the road to this trade requires patience, the potential payoff—a reunited Doncic-Washington duo alongside LeBron and AD—could be nothing short of historic. The Lakers’ audacious strategy is a gamble, but one that could redefine the franchise and shake the NBA to its core.