The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster looks just about set for the upcoming NBA season. But it could look a lot different next summer when LeBron James and a number of the Lakers’ other players will become free agents.
James, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and Maxi Kleber will or could become free agents in 2026, which would present the Lakers with an immense opportunity to reshape their roster around Luka Doncic. James could leave, and while there is confidence that Reaves will stay put on a new contract, it is anyone’s guess whether Ayton, Smart, Hachimura or others will do the same.
In any case, Los Angeles will almost certainly have a decent amount of salary cap space to work with. Tyler Watts, a writer for Lake Show Life, feels the team should reunite Doncic with former Dallas Mavericks teammate P.J. Washington next offseason by signing Washington as a free agent.
“The 6’7 forward thrived as a starter during the Mavericks’ 2024 run to the NBA Finals, led by the Lakers’ newest superstar,” Watts wrote. “Washington is an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason, and Dallas has Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg locked in at the forward spots. Washington should look to move on and team up with number 77 in LA.
“… Washington averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 32.2 minutes per game last season. He is a streaky shooter, but has made 35.8 percent from 3-point range for his career. Getting a versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions, rebounding, and knocking down open looks is a win for any contender.
“The Lakers could slot Washington in as the defender to cover for Luka and Austin Reaves on that end of the floor. LA needs both stars to compete on defense and let someone else take on the toughest assignments. Washington did just that for Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas and could play a similar role with the Lakers.”
The Lakers’ biggest roster need right now is 3-and-D players at the guard and wing spots. Washington, who is 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, plays mostly at the 4, which could make him a suitable replacement for Hachimura, who may not remain with the Purple and Gold past this season.
In getting to the NBA Finals one calendar year ago, as well as the 2022 Western Conference finals, despite not having an ultra-talented roster, Dallas apparently wrote the blueprint for winning with Doncic. The formula may be to surround him with a co-star who can do some of what he does, whether it was Irving in Dallas or Reaves right now, and very solid two-way players elsewhere throughout the rotation.
Washington is about to turn 27 years of age, so he’s several months younger than Hachimura, and while he may be a little less capable offensively, he’s likely a better defender and definitely a better rebounder.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Writer urges Lakers to go after former Luka Doncic teammate in 2026
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
