Lakers PJ Washington Trade Pursuit Gets Bad News Despite PF Ideal Target

The Los Angeles Lakers face significant obstacles in their pursuit of Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington despite viewing him as an ideal target. Washington is currently in the first season of a four-year, $88 million contract, making a trade package difficult to assemble. Furthermore, Dallas' strong 7-4 start to the season alongside Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving leaves the Mavericks with little incentive to trade him to Los Angeles.

A source told Heavy's Sean Deveney that Washington's salary is likely too expensive for the Lakers, who are already committed to Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. Consequently, the writer notes that general manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers' front office may need to target cheaper alternatives with similar skill sets ahead of the February trade deadline.