DSJ Quick Take: Luka Dončić Would Favor a P.J. Washington Reunion in Los Angeles
Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reported Monday that Luka Dončić would be in favor of reuniting with P.J. Washington on the Lakers. Washington’s four-year, $88.76 million extension remains the sticking point in any deal with Dallas.
- What was reported? Deveney wrote that Dončić would be in favor of a Washington reunion, a day after Marc Jacobs of Lakers Film Studio reported the Lakers and Mavericks have held advanced discussions with nothing imminent.
- Why hasn’t a deal happened? A Western Conference executive told Heavy Sports the Lakers don’t want the contract, which climbs from a $19.81 million cap hit this season to $24.57 million in 2029-30.
- What did Jake Fischer say? The Stein Line reporter said last month he had no inclination the Lakers had held trade talks of real consequence about Washington or Daniel Gafford this offseason.
- Where does Dallas stand? The Mavericks extended Naji Marshall, traded for Santi Aldama, and drafted Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9, leaving Washington in a crowded frontcourt with the roster’s second-highest salary.
DALLAS — Luka Dončić would be “in favor” of a reunion with P.J. Washington in Los Angeles, Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reported Monday.
The two overlapped in Dallas for roughly a year. Washington arrived from the Charlotte Hornets at the February 2024 trade deadline. Dončić was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers the following February.
A day before Deveney’s report, Marc Jacobs of Lakers Film Studio wrote that the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks have held advanced discussions involving Washington. Jacobs added that nothing is imminent.
What Was Reported in July
Last month, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line did not sound convinced the Lakers had gotten anywhere on Washington this offseason.
“I know Lakers fans want to keep drawing a line to a trade with Dallas for either PJ Washington or [Daniel Gafford] because of their success with Luka Dončić,” Fischer said. “I really don’t have any inclination that the Lakers have had trade talks about either of those guys of real consequence this offseason.”
The reporting since has centered on the money. A Western Conference executive put it plainly to Heavy Sports.
“They don’t want that contract,” the executive said of the Lakers. “The Mavericks bought a little high on him (in 2025) and he wasn’t as good last year. And you’re committing to paying him $22 million, $24 million down the road.”
The Contract Obstacle
Washington signed a four-year extension worth $88.76 million with Dallas in September 2025, as reported by Dallas Hoops Journal. The deal carries no options. It runs through 2029-30.
The structure is what the executive was pointing at. Washington’s cap hit is $19.81 million this season. It climbs each year and finishes at $24.57 million in 2029-30.
Washington could not be traded during the 2025-26 season under league rules tied to the extension. That restriction has since lapsed.
In 56 games last season, Washington averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He started 53 of them. Ankle trouble cost him time through the year, and an elbow injury ended his season early. Dallas finished 26-56.
Dallas’ Crowded Frontcourt
The Mavericks have spent this offseason adding to the same position group. Dallas extended Naji Marshall, acquired Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies, and drafted Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 overall in June. Washington carries the second-highest salary on the roster.
Los Angeles has its own math to solve. The Lakers sit close to the first apron and would need to send out multiple contracts to match Washington’s salary, with a third team likely required to absorb them. They lost Rui Hachimura to the LA Clippers in free agency and have pursued Jonathan Kuminga since late June.
The 2024 Finals Run
Dončić and Washington reached the NBA Finals together in their only postseason trip as teammates. Washington started all 22 games during that run. He averaged 13.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in the playoffs.
Washington turns 28 on Aug. 23. He is under contract in Dallas for four more seasons.
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