Lakers wary of absorbing PJ Washington’s four-year, $88.8 million contract
lakers-wary-of-absorbing-pj-washington-deal
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore ways to solidify their frontcourt, but league sources say the organization is reluctant to take on Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington because of the four years and $88.8 million remaining on his contract.
Washington, 26, is owed $19.3 million in the 2026-27 season. Under collective-bargaining rules, the Lakers would need to send out at least $11.8 million in salaries to satisfy a trade match. Jarred Vanderbilt’s $11.7 million deal would fit on its own, while a package built around Jaden Hardy and Jake LaRavia could also reach the required figure.
Los Angeles has already added Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler and Hardy this offseason and is awaiting formal completion of moves for Collin Sexton and Kevon Looney. All four newcomers, along with Austin Reaves, Grimes and Mamukelashvili, are on contracts the front office views as market-level and potentially movable. Team officials reportedly fear Washington’s pact could become difficult to unload if his play stagnates.
Even so, the Lakers still need a starting-caliber power forward. If negotiations for Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga fail, Washington may emerge as the most attainable alternative.
Talks around Kuminga have been complicated by the Lakers’ salary-cap limitations. According to league insiders, the Atlanta Hawks, acting as a potential third-team facilitator, want Los Angeles to include its lone available first-round pick swap in 2032 to make a sign-and-trade possible.
The Lakers have not set a timetable for resolving their search at power forward but are expected to continue gauging the trade market as training camp approaches.
Source: Lakers Nation
