Lakers get bad P.J. Washington trade news

While the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to use their final roster spot on former Golden State Warriors lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga, there are alternative options that the franchise could consider. 

Gritty Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington is one of them, but a recent report indicates that the Lakers are unlikely to pursue the Kentucky product this summer.

“The Lakers have long been tied to trade rumors with Mavericks forward PJ Washington, a former teammate of Doncic’s in Dallas, but the fully guaranteed $88.8 million Washington's owed over the next four years isn’t appealing to the Lakers,” The California Post’s Khobi Price wrote Wednesday. 

One could argue that Washington would be a smoother fit with the Lakers than Kuminga. 

The 27-year-old is a far more polished offensive threat (despite having an inconsistent three-point jumper), has earned a reputation for doing a little bit of everything on the defensive end, and is a better rebounder than some 6-foot-10+ big men (Myles Turner and Jaren Jackson Jr. are two names that come to mind).

Washington, who enjoyed plenty of memorable moments alongside Doncic in Dallas, averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, shooting 45.0% from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc.

It would be nice for the Lakers to know they could comfortably pivot to Washington if their Kuminga pursuit falls through, but that doesn't appear feasible at this time.

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