Before the Los Angeles Lakers executed their significant trade for Luka Doncic last February, the idea of the 17-time NBA champions making a deal with the Dallas Mavericks seemed unlikely. However, following their successful acquisition of Doncic, it appears the Lakers are open to exploring further trades with the Mavericks.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton recently suggested that the Lakers could target former Mavericks player Daniel Gafford, along with P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall, if the Mavericks are willing to engage in business again with their franchise after the firing of general manager Nico Harrison who orchestrated the Doncic trade. Pelton highlighted these players as sensible trade options for the Lakers to consider this summer.
Gafford and Marshall stand out as potential assets, especially since the Mavericks are in transition, having recently lost Jones to free agency. Should the Lakers encounter difficulties in acquiring Gafford or Marshall, Washington could be a viable alternative. His trade from the Charlotte Hornets to the Mavericks in 2024 proved advantageous for his career, as he escaped a struggling franchise and joined a team with more competitive aspirations.
While the Mavericks’ current season may not be going as planned, Washington has made a strong impact in Dallas, showcasing his skills on a larger stage. The 27-year-old is averaging 14.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game this season. With his experience playing alongside Doncic, Washington is quickly becoming a player the Lakers should keep an eye on as they consider their options for future trades to bolster their roster.
This season marks an exciting time for the Lakers and their fans as they look to build upon their recent successes and strengthen their lineup further with strategic moves.