Report: Doncic interested in reuniting with Washington; Lakers have held talks with Mavericks, but contract could be the biggest hurdle.

On August 5, Beijing time, the Lakers have been linked to PJ Washington in trade rumors throughout the entire offseason. Luka Doncic is clearly eager to reunite with his former teammate. Heavy Sports reporter Sean Deveney reported that Doncic supports the Lakers' pursuit of his ex-Mavericks teammate Washington. The two had led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals together, and then Doncic was traded to the Lakers the following season.

In that playoff run, Washington started all 22 games, averaging 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds. His defense, size, and ability to fit with Doncic's playing style seem to address a clear weakness for the Lakers.

Of course, wanting Washington and actually acquiring him via trade are two completely different things.

Recent reports indicate that the Lakers and Mavericks have engaged in in-depth discussions regarding Washington, but they also suggest no immediate result is expected. The biggest obstacle might be Washington's contract.

He just started a four-year, $88.8 million extension that runs through the 2029-30 season. The salary starts at $19.8 million this season and increases annually, reaching $24.6 million in the final year.

A Western Conference executive told Deveney about the Lakers: "They don't want that contract."

Last season, Washington played 56 games, averaging 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds. Since then, the Mavericks re-signed Marshall, traded for Aldama and Risacher, and drafted Moultrie Johnson with the 9th pick, leaving their frontcourt overcrowded.

However, sources say Mavericks president Ujiri holds Washington in high regard, and there is no indication that the Mavericks feel pressured to move him.

The Lakers are also pursuing restricted free agent Kuminga. To land Washington, the Lakers would need to send out multiple contracts while staying under the first apron.

Doncic may personally be very optimistic about this addition, but salary matching and assembling trade assets are the bigger challenges.