The Los Angeles Lakers failed to make the necessary upgrades to the roster in yet another offseason. Entering the summer with massive holes in the frontcourt, the Lakers fell short of bolstering their rotation in a way for the fans to feel good about their championship odds next season. Losing Dorian Finney-Smith and replacing him only with Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton is not enough to move a team that lost in the first round to title contention in the loaded Western Conference.
That is why GM Rob Pelinka has to continue to be active on the trade market. More size and athleticism in the frontcourt are still needed, and the Lakers would be wise to turn to a familiar trade partner to solve this issue.
The Dallas Mavericks are loaded with talent in the frontcourt, especially with the addition of Cooper Flagg. The No. 1 overall pick entering the rotation that already had Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and PJ Washington creates a crowded frontcourt group. This makes Washington potentially acquirable for the Lakers with a strong trade package.
That package could include an unprotected first-round pick and a future pick swap, alongside Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht to match salaries. While this may seem like a lot of draft capital to give up for Washington, it's important to note that Knecht and Vincent may have negative trade value right now. The Mavericks could use Vincent during Kyrie Irving's absence, and Knecht could provide them with some shooting, but the two players are hardly desirable on the trade market.
Washington, on the other hand, gives the Lakers exactly what they are looking for. He can guard smaller players if needed, but has the ability to play small-ball five. He can provide spacing with his solid outside shooting, and can attack the basket when the defender closes out on him. He profiles as a better Rui Hachimura on both ends of the floor for the Lakers.
One downside of the deal for the Lakers is that they would have to give Washington a contract extension, as he is on an expiring deal that pays him $14.1 million for the 2025-26 season. If Washington gives them what he gave Dallas over the last 1.5 seasons, however, the Lakers should be thrilled to give a lucrative, long-term deal for Luka Doncic's former teammate.