The Los Angeles Lakers have moved away from pursuing a trade for Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington, with his long-term contract becoming a major factor in the team’s evaluation of a potential deal.
According to Khobi Price of the California Post, the Lakers have been connected to Washington because of his previous partnership with Luka Doncic in Dallas, but his fully guaranteed $88.8 million contract over the next four years is not viewed as an appealing commitment for Los Angeles.
Washington, 27, signed a four-year, $88.8 million extension with the Mavericks and has three seasons remaining on the deal. While he remains a productive two-way forward, the Lakers’ offseason moves have already significantly increased their financial obligations around Doncic.
The Lakers reshaped their roster after LeBron James departed. The franchise committed major resources to building a contender around Doncic, including acquiring center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract.
Los Angeles also retained Austin Reaves on a four-year, $185 million max contract and added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Kevon Looney. Those moves, along with the Kessler sign-and-trade, pushed the Lakers into a hard-capped position at the first apron and limited their flexibility for additional expensive contracts.
Washington’s production would fit several Lakers needs. In the 2025-26 season with Dallas, he averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks in 56 games while shooting 45.0% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range. He started 53 games and continued to provide positional size and defensive versatility.
Over his seven NBA seasons, Washington has averaged 13.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range. His ability to defend multiple frontcourt positions and stretch the floor has made him a valuable role player on playoff teams.
Washington also has familiarity with Doncic after helping Dallas reach the 2024 NBA Finals following his midseason acquisition from Charlotte. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 29 games with the Mavericks after being traded from the Hornets.
However, the Lakers’ current roster construction has reduced the need to absorb another sizable long-term salary. Los Angeles already has Rui Hachimura’s former role replaced through other additions, while the team continues to explore a potential sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga.
The Lakers entered the 2026 offseason focused on creating a championship-level roster around Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds during the 2025-26 season. Their approach has prioritized defensive upgrades, shooting and younger complementary pieces rather than taking on additional large contracts.
