The Los Angeles Lakers have spent much of their offseason pursuing Jonathan Kuminga. But a few reports suggest Luka Doncic might prefer a different player: Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, Luka is keen on playing with Washington, a player who developed strong chemistry with him during their time in Dallas. The two were instrumental in leading the Mavericks to the 2024 Finals run, with Washington becoming one of Doncic’s favorite frontcourt partners.
Washington started all 22 games during that Finals run, averaging 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 53.6% from the field. His playstyle made him a perfect partner for Luka.
And that connection is one of the reasons the Lakers remain interested.
Unlike Kuminga, Washington doesn’t require as much development. He’s already played alongside Luka Doncic in a ball-dominant system, and the Lakers know he can contribute on the biggest stage.
Last season, Washington averaged 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds as he continued to show he is one of the better two-way forwards in the league.
But turning that interest into an actual trade won’t be easy. One recent report claimed that the Lakers and Mavericks have held advanced discussions over Washington, but there is nothing close to a finished deal.
That contrasts with a report from The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, who said there is no indication that the two teams have engaged in serious trade talks or anything close to a deal.
But the biggest obstacle has to be P.J. Washington’s contract. The 27-year-old is entering the first season of his four-year, $88.8 million extension, which will pay him $19.8 million this season before increasing to $24.6 million in the final year of the deal.
According to a Western Conference executive who spoke to The Athletic, that contract is a major concern for the Lakers. They don’t want to take on that long-term financial commitment.
The Lakers have already spent a large part of their cap space and have nearly exhausted their draft capital. That’s why they are worried about adding another long-term contract next to Luka Doncic.
And that financial reality is one reason Jonathan Kuminga remains an attractive option.
At just 23 years old, Kuminga offers a higher upside than Washington. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His breakout season came in 2023-24 when he averaged 16.1 points on 52.9% shooting.
And that is what interests the Lakers’ front office. The Lakers see Kuminga as a long-term partner who can grow alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
P.J. Washington represents almost the opposite philosophy. He might not have Kuminga’s ceiling, but he has already proven that he can be a reliable contributor to winning basketball, particularly next to Luka. That experience could make him the safer choice for a Lakers team hoping to contend immediately. Lakers insider Jovan Buha has criticized the team for not making an all-out effort to acquire Washington.
But the Mavericks have a different view. The Mavericks have strengthened their frontcourt by extending Naji Marshall, adding Santi Aldama, and drafting Morez Johnson Jr. Still, team president Masai Ujiri is reportedly a strong supporter of Washington and does not want to part with him just yet.
Ultimately, the Lakers face a tough decision. Do they continue pursuing Kuminga and hope he develops into a star, or do they turn toward the proven veteran in Washington and potentially give up one of their few remaining draft assets to convince the Mavericks?
If Luka had his way, the answer appears to be P.J. Washington. Whether the Lakers can overcome the financial hurdles and convince the Mavericks to move him is an entirely different question.
