Even though the Los Angeles Lakers have a full roster, there are still rumors circulating about the team eyeing potential additions via trade. One name that has been mentioned as a possibility is forward PJ Washington of the Dallas Mavericks.
Washington is someone who has played with Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, being part of the Mavericks team that went to the NBA Finals. So reuniting with Doncic in LA would make some sense. However, that seems less likely now as Washington doesn’t believe he will be traded and wants to remain in Dallas:
“Super confident,” Washington told Kevin Gray of DLLS Sports when asked how confident he is that he won’t be traded. “I’ve had long talks with Masai, our GM and the whole team. So I’m super confident I’ll be a Maverick. This is where I want to be, so I’m super excited to be here and can’t wait to get things going.”
The Lakers possibly being interested in Washington is understandable. He is the type of physical forward the team is seeking, is a solid rebounder and decent 3-point shooter, and also brings some toughness and attitude that every team needs. He averaged 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, but he also signed a four-year, $88.7 million contract extension that is a pretty big pill to swallow.
It was believed that the Lakers were a bit hesitant to take on that deal, and with Washington making it clear that he wants to remain in Dallas, these rumors should be put to bed for now.
As it currently stands, the Lakers added Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle this offseason, both of whom are capable of making a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball. Veteran Jarred Vanderbilt is also still on the team as of now though his name has been in trade rumors throughout the offseason.
The Lakers also continue to be linked to free agent Jonathan Kuminga, so that sign-and-trade possibility is still out there. Or the Lakers could simply trust what they have on the roster and go into the season as is.
Kevon Looney has ‘chip on my shoulder’ in first season with Lakers
One veteran the Lakers have brought in this offseason is big man Kevon Looney, who spent the first 10 years of his career with the Golden State Warriors, winning multiple NBA championships. But after a down year with the New Orleans Pelicans, Looney is coming into his first year in L.A. with a chip on his shoulder looking to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
