Leak: Lakers Have “Ideal” Free Agent Target To Pair With Luka Doncic Next Summer – Golden Opportunity
The Los Angeles Lakers should target P.J. Washington next summer as the franchise attempts to remake their roster around Luka Doncic. The 6’7 forward thrived as a starter during the Mavericks’ 2024 run to the NBA Finals, led by the Lakers’ newest superstar. Washington is an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason, and Dallas has Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg locked in at the forward spots. Washington should look to move on and team up with number 77 in LA.
Doncic just signed an extension and is ready to lead the Lakers for years to come. The 26-year-old superstar is one of the five best players in the world and gives the franchise a real shot at winning the title. They need to maximize his skill set. That means finding shooting, versatility, and rim protection around him. The Mavs gave Los Angeles the blueprint, and Washington certainly fits.
The Lakers are not extending Rui Hachimura, which creates room for Washington. The current Mavericks forward is a better defender than Rui and plays well off Luka. This could be absolutely perfect for the Lakers.
Lakers should target P.J. Washington in next summer’s free agency
Washington averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 32.2 minutes per game last season. He is a streaky shooter, but has made 35.8 percent from 3-point range for his career. Getting a versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions, rebounding, and knocking down open looks is a win for any contender.
The Lakers could slot Washington in as the defender to cover for Luka and Austin Reaves on that end of the floor. LA needs both stars to compete on defense and let someone else take on the toughest assignments. Washington did just that for Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas and could play a similar role with the Lakers.
The 6’7 forward stood out during the 2024 finals run, but it is his only playoff experience. Washington is in his prime and wants to play for a contender. The Lakers are set on winning a title with Luka leading their roster. Washington could be a key piece, but he will likely command around $20 million per year on his next contract.
The Lakers are projected to have $60.3 million in cap space if they let their free agents walk next summer. They will re-sign Reaves, but could completely reset their roster around him and Luka. Washington is the perfect 3-and-D forward target. He will likely be searching for a new home, and there is no better place than reuniting with Luka Doncic.
The Los Angeles Lakers have work to do next summer. LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Jaxson Hayes can all be unrestricted free agents. It is on Rob Pelinka and the front office to build their roster around Luka. Pelinka knows what pieces the franchise needs and will attempt to convince them to come to LA. P.J. Washington should be one of the first calls.