The Los Angeles Lakers‘ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga has hit a major roadblock, but they might already have a backup plan in place. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Lakers checked in with the Dallas Mavericks about a potential trade for P.J. Washington as an alternative if they are unable to land Kuminga in free agency.
The Lakers have been searching for a starting forward after the departure of LeBron James, with Kuminga emerging as a prime target. But recent trades around the league have put a roadblock in those plans.
The Atlanta Hawks recently acquired Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a blockbuster three-team trade. That move leaves the Hawks with 16 guaranteed contracts, and it eliminates any possibility of doing a sign-and-trade deal like the Lakers wanted.
The original idea would have reportedly sent Jarred Vanderbilt and the 2032 first-round pick swap to the Hawks in return for Kuminga. But with the Hawks’ roster now full, that road has been cut off.
And as a result, the Lakers are looking at other options.
According to Sidery, the Lakers reached out to the Mavericks about P.J. Washington, who could become their primary target if the Kuminga pursuit falls apart.
Sidery also outlined a potential framework between the two teams. The proposed deal would send Washington to the Lakers, and the Mavericks would receive Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and the 2032 first-round pick swap.
A trade between the two teams would be rather surprising given the recent history between them.
The Mavericks stunned the NBA world when they traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers in 2025, in one of the most shocking deals ever. Due to that deal, there is doubt whether the Mavericks’ ownership would be willing to do another major trade with the Lakers so soon.
But Washington would be ideal for the Lakers.
The 6-foot-7 forward has become one of the best role players in the NBA, capable of defending multiple positions while being an effective floor spacer. His ability to play either forward spot would give the Lakers a natural replacement after LeBron and Rui Hachimura’s exits.
Washington’s past history with Luka Doncic is another plus point. The two were teammates in Dallas before Luka was traded, and his ability to defend bigger forwards and knock down three-pointers could make him a perfect fit next to the Lakers’ franchise star.
But that being said, there are still a few reasons why Kuminga is preferred.
P.J. Washington’s four-year, $88.7 million contract will kick in next season, where he will make $19.8 million in 2026-27, $21.3 million in 2027-28, $22.9 million in 2028-29, and $24.5 million in 2029-30. NBA insider Marc Stein had reported earlier that the Lakers view Washington’s contract as somewhat of an albatross, making them hesitant to go after him. Kuminga, who is just 23, offers more upside and athleticism, even if his offensive game is a work in progress.
The Lakers reportedly pitched Kuminga on becoming an immediate starter, showing how much they value his potential. If that opportunity disappears because a sign-and-trade deal has to be completed, the Lakers will quickly have to pivot, with Washington emerging as one of the most realistic alternatives.
The Lakers have also been linked with Bruce Brown as another option, with Matisse Thybulle emerging as an option as well. But P.J. Washington offers the stronger combination of size, defense, and shooting of the three.
Ultimately, it all depends on whether the Lakers are able to find another team to take on Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract and revive the Kuminga talks. If that’s not possible, the Lakers could aggressively approach the Mavericks for the final starting piece to complement Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and newly acquired Walker Kessler heading into the 2026-27 season.
