The word from Bleacher Report is clear: the Los Angeles Lakers are absolutely not interested in trading for Dallas Mavericks forwards PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford. Jake Fischer reiterated what many have already heard, shutting down the hopes of Lakers fans who wanted to see some of Luka Dončić’s successful Mavs teammates join him in LA.
Washington’s Contract Is a Brick Wall
Let’s be real, on paper PJ Washington fills a need for the Lakers. He had some serious success with Luka in Dallas, helping them make the Finals. But the front office? They’re just not sold on his contract. This deal runs all the way through the 2029-30 season, a longer guarantee than anyone else currently on the Lakers’ roster, even Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, or Walker Kessler. That’s a massive commitment, and it seems the Lakers feel it’s just not worth trading for, no matter how much fans want him. They’re trying to build things their own way, and a long, expensive contract like Washington’s doesn’t fit the blueprint right now.
Gafford Made Sense, But Not Anymore
Daniel Gafford is another guy Lakers fans were eyeing after his run with Luka. But his situation is a bit different. The team already picked up Walker Kessler, which apparently changed the dynamic significantly. Before Kessler came to town, Gafford probably looked like a smarter play. Now, not so much. Plus, Gafford has his own injury woes in recent seasons, which makes him less reliable. His contract is guaranteed through 2028-29, and he’s set to rake in over $18 million per season in the final two years. When you look at the Lakers’ overall needs, the center position isn’t their most pressing issue. Their center depth isn’t amazing, sure, but burning limited trade assets on Gafford right now just doesn’t make a ton of sense.
So for now, don’t hold your breath for any Mavs trades. The Lakers are not revisiting these discussions. It’s a tough pill for some fans to swallow, especially with that forward hole still needing to be addressed. Who knows, if that forward spot remains empty or if their center depth becomes a real problem down the line, maybe we’ll see them linked to Dallas again. But right now, it’s a firm no.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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