Lakers predicted to trade for $88M rim-runner to reunite with Luka Doncic amid lethal start

Lakers predicted to trade for $88M rim-runner to reunite with Luka Doncic amid lethal start originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a strong start this season, a testament to the roster changes they made during the offseason. The organization built a roster designed to complement Luka Dončić, and he is already taking full advantage of it.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have likely seen just how dominant Dončić has been to begin the season. In fact, he made NBA history Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings.

“Luka Dončić is the first player in NBA history to record six consecutive games with 35+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 5+ 3-pointers,” California Post’s Khobi Price posted.

Even with Dončić providing the offensive production the Lakers need, there is still a clear weakness on the roster: their frontcourt. Los Angeles is in desperate need of another big man or versatile forward who can provide length and athleticism.

“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported. “They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity.”

A trade could eventually address that need, particularly given the importance of having frontcourt depth in case Walker Kessler goes down with an injury. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes Los Angeles should consider trading for Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington.

“The Mavericks have a million forwards. Masai Ujiri tends to prefer having a million forwards, but this is excessive even by the standards his Raptors teams set. Washington was acquired and extended by Nico Harrison, so he’s an obvious candidate to cash out on that forward surplus. His last go-round with Luka Dončić worked out pretty well, so the Lakers make some sense,” Quinn wrote.

Acquiring Washington would be a significant move for the Lakers, while also reuniting him with Dončić. The two developed excellent chemistry in Dallas, particularly in the pick-and-roll, and bringing that connection to Los Angeles could give the offense another dimension.

Washington is currently playing on an $88 million deal with Dallas. Dončić would likely welcome the move, as Washington is someone he wouldn’t need to spend time building chemistry with after playing alongside him for years. Washington also brings the versatility and rim-running ability that could make the Lakers even more dangerous.

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