The Los Angeles Lakers have recently been linked with a move for one of Luka Dončić’s former Dallas Mavericks teammates. However, before the speculation could gain momentum, one respected league insider swiftly dismissed the possibility.
NBA Insider Silences Lakers’ Hype Around Luka Dončić’s Former Teammate
The Lakers have officially entered a new era centered around Dončić after LeBron James’ departure from the franchise. Los Angeles has shifted its focus toward surrounding the Slovenian superstar with the right supporting cast.
Throughout the offseason, the Lakers have been connected to several notable names, including Dončić’s former Mavericks teammate P.J. Washington. The speculation intensified after senior NBA writer Marc Jacobs reported that the Lakers and the Mavericks had engaged in trade discussions involving the versatile forward.
Amid this, league insider Evan Sidery revealed that Dallas has been actively making Washington available. That update naturally fueled speculation among fans that Washington could reunite with Dončić in Los Angeles.
However, veteran league insider Jake Fischer quickly dismissed the rumors, making it clear that he has not heard anything to suggest the Lakers are actively pursuing Washington behind the scenes.
“I haven’t heard that the Lakers are making any pursuit of P.J. Washington,” Fischer said. “His name just gets brought up by Lakers fans and by Mavericks fans with that trade mechanism, but nothing I’ve actually heard behind the scenes.”
The Los Angeles Lakers have NOT been in pursuit of PJ Washington, per @JakeLFischer.
(via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/vY4nUvlyct
— APHoops (@APH00PS) August 4, 2026
Washington is under a four-year, $88.76 million contract. While he remains under contract with the Mavericks through 2030, questions about his long-term future in Dallas continue to surface.
Meanwhile, following their offseason roster moves, the Lakers have made upgrading their starting frontcourt a priority, as evidenced by their aggressive pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga.
However, with negotiations for Kuminga still showing little progress, Los Angeles could at least explore the possibility of targeting Dončić’s former teammate.
Washington averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this past season. He has already demonstrated excellent chemistry with Dončić, thriving alongside Dončić during the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
However, durability remains a concern. Washington appeared in 56 games last season, marking the second straight year in which he played fewer than 60 games.
The Lakers struggled with availability issues throughout last season, and those injuries largely contributed to their playoff run ending in the conference semifinals. Adding another player with recent durability concerns could be a major factor in JJ Redick’s decision-making.
Though Fischer has already dismissed reports linking Washington to a reunion with Dončić, the final decision ultimately rests with the Lakers, who must decide whether to take a calculated gamble on acquiring the Mavericks forward.
