Los Angeles Lakers Get Important P.J. Washington Update

While the Lakers need a backup center, they also need a player who can effortlessly play both forward positions. That’s where a player like P.J. Washington comes in.

“The Lakers’ failed pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, who is signing a two-year deal with the Timberwolves, has left them with a hole in the frontcourt,” reporter Khobi Price wrote in California Post.

Then, Price added, “With their roster already having 16 players signed to guaranteed contracts, the Lakers’ options for other roster additions are limited. But they still have clear needs with a month before training camp kicks off.”

Washington has proven that he could thrive alongside Luka. That’s why it’s widely viewed that the do-it-all forward might land in La La Land one way or the other. However, the pathway there isn’t so simple.

Washington’s Massive Contract Remains A Hurdle

The Los Angeles Lakers are $8.1 million above the first apron. They are hard-capped at the moment. Any deal must involve outgoing salary. But in P.J. Washington’s case, his massive contract is a huge hurdle for LA to make a feasible deal.

Washington is owed $90 million for the next four years. However, that number is a huge deal breaker for the Lakers.

“The Lakers have long been tied to trade rumors involving Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, a former teammate of (Luka) Doncic’s in Dallas, but as The Post previously reported, the fully guaranteed $88.8 million Washington is owed over the next four years isn’t appealing to the Lakers,” wrote Lakers insider Jacob Rude.

But the good thing is that the market for Washington remains dry. This means the Mavs may be willing to part with him in the near future for a lesser package. Until then, the Lakers may have to wait.