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 response to Evan Sidery, the Lakers just lately checked in with Dallas concerning Washington. Sidery added that after the blockbuster Luka Doncic commerce between the 2 franchises, it stays unclear whether or not Mavericks possession would approve one other vital take care of Los Angeles. He additionally famous Washington has emerged as a contingency choice if the Lakers fail to amass Kuminga.
The Lakers’ curiosity in Washington is comprehensible given his historical past alongside Doncic in Dallas. The 27-year-old ahead established sturdy chemistry with the Slovenian star after arriving from the Charlotte Hornets throughout the 2023-24 season, serving to the Mavericks attain the NBA Finals that 12 months.
Washington stays a productive two-way ahead getting 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 capturing 45.0% from the sphere and 32.5% from three-point vary. Over seven NBA seasons, he has averaged 13.3 factors and 6.0 rebounds whereas capturing 44.8% general and 35.4% from past the arc.
Regardless of that manufacturing, Washington’s contract has reportedly develop into a big impediment. In response to Khobi Value of the California Submit, the Lakers have cooled on the thought due to his long-term monetary dedication. Washington is below contract for 3 extra seasons as a part of a four-year, $88.8 million extension, a deal that might 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 most 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 middle of the Lakers’ plans as a result of a sign-and-trade may provide higher flexibility. Atlanta is reportedly keen to assist facilitate such a deal after declining Kuminga’s $24.3 million staff choice, 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 throughout the 2025-26 season. Throughout 5 NBA seasons, he owns profession averages of 12.5 factors and 4.2 rebounds, together with his breakout marketing campaign coming in 2023-24 when he averaged 16.1 factors on 52.9% capturing.
Los Angeles completed 53-29 final season, received the Pacific Division and reached the Western Convention semifinals earlier than being swept by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. The entrance workplace has since targeted on constructing round Doncic, who averaged 33.5 factors, 8.3 assists and seven.7 rebounds throughout the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
