The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly pursuing Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington in a potential $64 million trade.
The Lakers have been preparing for a new era since LeBron James informed the organization he would not be returning. They have officially entered a new chapter with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves becoming the faces of the franchise.
The team is focused on building around Doncic and adding more frontcourt depth. They have traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position as well.
According to insider Jovan Buha, the Lakers could look to add either a center or a power forward, and Washington has emerged as a potential target. He is one of the most valuable players on the Mavericks' roster and could bring back significant value in a trade.
A potential Washington trade makes sense for Dallas because he is a veteran piece that could bring back significant value. The team is looking to reshape its frontcourt, and Washington could be the player that brings back the most value.
Washington would be an excellent fit for the Lakers and would address a major need for the organization. He has a proven chemistry with Doncic, and reuniting them would give Doncic another familiar target who can finish plays at the rim.
The Lakers are looking to cap off what has already been an exciting offseason, and adding Washington would be a major move toward building a contender around Doncic and Reaves.
The key to trading for Washington would be for the Lakers to take on his contract, which is worth $64 million. The team is currently at full capacity, but they could make room for Washington by trading away other players or signing them to shorter contracts.
The Lakers are not finished with their offseason moves just yet, and adding Washington would be a significant step toward building a contender. The team is focused on building around Doncic, and Washington would be a major piece in that puzzle.
The next step for the Lakers will be to see if they can come to an agreement with the Mavericks on a trade for Washington. If they can make it work, Washington would be a major addition to the team and would give them a boost in the frontcourt.
Source: Yahoo Sports