The Lakers are officially pumping the brakes on any PJ Washington trade talks, and it all comes down to the monster $88.8 million deal he's got on the books. It’s a jaw-dropping sum that, as reported by Khobi Price of the California Post, makes him unattractive to the Lakers, despite his clear fit for a gaping hole on their roster.
That Contract Is a REAL Problem
Look, the Lakers have been busy in free agency, signing Sandro Mamukelashvili to replace Rui Hachimura. But let's be real: Mamukelashvili is a backup big, not a locked-in starter. He can spell the power forward or center, sure, but he doesn't fill that gaping hole. Everyone knows the Lakers are chasing Jonathan Kuminga, but he's more of a perimeter guy than a true power forward. That's where Washington comes in, right? He shined big-time alongside Luka Dončić during their brief stint together, truly reviving his career after just toiling away in Charlotte. That partnership got him a hefty 4-year, nearly $90-million deal, fully guaranteed at $88.8 million over four years. When Luka was still a Maverick, that contract felt fine. But the minute Luka was dealt, it screamed "albatross." You'd think the Lakers would still be interested given his proven track record and specific skill set, but nope. That contract is a non-starter for them.So, What's the Game Plan?
This whole situation is a bit of a head-scratcher when you think about it. The Lakers were literally handing out four-year contracts "like candy" this summer. So, why draw the line with Washington, a guy who actually fills a major roster need and has proven he can produce next to a superstar? Could this just be posturing? It sure feels like it could be, at least somewhat. The current full-court press is on for Kuminga, and let’s be honest, it’s basically impossible to get both him and Washington. Washington could start at the four, and even play as a spacing five. That would give the Lakers huge versatility with Mamukelashvili in the frontcourt. And yeah, he’s probably not a defensive stopper, but honestly, that fits the profile of players the Lakers have brought in this offseason, doesn't it? The Lakers aren’t exactly in a position to be picky right now, but there's clearly a hierarchy of who they prefer. And with not many other suitors for Washington out there, the Lakers probably don't feel much urgency on this option. So, what happens if Kuminga bolts elsewhere? Does the focus swing back to Dallas for Washington? We know the Lakers still need at least one more notable player. This offseason is far from over, and it's going to be wild to see who they actually land.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.