Contrary to rumors and recent rumblings, the Lakers have not engaged in any trade talks with the Mavericks around PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford.
Despite recent rumors and speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers have apparently not made any significant movement in potentially pursuing either PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford.
P.J. Washington
Position SF
Age 27
Height 201 cm
Weight 104 kg
Birth place Louisville, United States of America
In his latest Bleacher Report updates, NBA insider Jake Fischer has dismissed the Lakers' rumored ties with both Washington and Gafford.
"I know Lakers fans want to keep drawing the line to a trade with Dallas for either PJ Washington or Gafford because of their success with Luka Doncic. I really don't have any inclination that the Lakers had trade talks with either of those guys of real consequence this offseason," Fischer indicated.
Lakers not trading for PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford?
As Jake Fischer noted, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford's important roles alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas have made them frequent names in trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
But past reports have already indicated the Lakers have been reluctant to absorb Washington's contract. Washington is about to enter the first season of his four-year, $88.8 million contract extension, which he signed last September with the Dallas Mavericks.
He is estimated to earn $19.8 million in the 2026-27 season.
Still, despite his expensive long-term deal, Washington remains one of the NBA's most valuable role players and premier 3-and-D wings. The versatile forward averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 31 minutes per game, shooting 45% from the field and 32.5% from three across 56 appearances in the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, Gafford is relatively known as a trade candidate in Dallas, where it was revealed that the Mavericks are already fielding offers around the big man.
Gafford averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.25 blocks over 55 games while shooting 65.5% from the field last season for the Mavericks.
Like Washington, he notably signed a three-year, $54.3 million contract extension with the franchise during last year's offseason, and the deal is set to begin this upcoming 2026-27 campaign, where he is estimated to earn $17.2 million.
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