Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James for Luka Doncic's $88M former Mavericks teammate

The Los Angeles Lakers' roster is going to look much different next season, with the biggest change being the departure of LeBron James. The four-time NBA champion notified the Lakers that he would not be returning next season.

The Lakers have spent the offseason building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The first major move in that process was acquiring Walker Kessler.

“The Los Angeles Lakers started the process of remaking their roster in the wake of LeBron James' decision to leave with a blockbuster trade and a trio of free agency signings Wednesday. Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that the Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030,” ESPN wrote.

Los Angeles is still expected to continue reshaping its roster. It also remains unclear whether the team plans to move on from Bronny James.

“It is still unclear whether the Lakers view Bronny as a potential long-term piece. With the franchise still looking to round out the roster around superstar point guard Luka Doncic, Bronny could be involved in a trade,” Heavy.com's Adel Ahmad wrote.

The Lakers are also still searching for a starting-caliber wing. NBA reporter Evan Sidery believes Los Angeles could acquire Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington in a trade involving Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia.

“A potential trade framework between the Lakers and Mavericks featuring PJ Washington: Los Angeles: Washington. Dallas: Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, 2032 pick swap,” Sidery wrote.

Landing Washington would address a significant need for the Lakers while reuniting Doncic with a player he developed strong chemistry with during their time together in Dallas. Washington has reportedly become available in trade discussions.

Washington is currently playing on an $88 million contract with the Mavericks. Reuniting him with Doncic would give the Lakers an athletic, versatile forward who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

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