Lakers fans love a good connection. And when you’ve got Luka Doncic on the roster, the natural next step is to wonder about bringing over his old Dallas teammates. PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford have been floating around fan trade proposals for months. But according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, that’s about as far as it’s gone.
Fischer spoke on Bleacher Report and essentially poured cold water on the whole idea. He said he has zero indication that the Lakers had any real trade conversations with Dallas about either Washington or Gafford this offseason. Instead, the team still has its eyes on Jonathan Kuminga from Golden State, provided the price makes sense.
That part matters. The Lakers have been one of the most active teams in free agency, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they aren’t done yet. But the Washington and Gafford rumors have always felt more like fan fiction than front office reality. Just because those two played well alongside Doncic in Dallas doesn’t mean the Lakers are automatically interested.
Why the Mavericks might eventually move on
Dallas hasn’t been involved in many trade talks this summer. But there could be a point where the front office decides to reshuffle the roster. The Mavericks are turning the page on a new era, and some of the pieces from the previous one might not fit what they’re trying to build. Washington and Gafford could end up being more valuable to another team than they are to the Mavs going forward.
That said, the Lakers have needs. They could use a starting-caliber power forward, and Washington fits that description. They could also use more depth at center, and Gafford would be an upgrade off the bench. It’s just not happening right now, and Fischer’s reporting suggests it was never really close.
History between these two teams is complicated
There’s also the history factor. Lakers and Mavericks trades don’t happen often. The two franchises have had some friction over the years, and neither side seems eager to do business with the other. But Dallas has a new front office now, so things could change. Just don’t count on it happening anytime soon with Washington or Gafford.
For now, the Lakers are focused elsewhere. Kuminga remains the name to watch. If that falls through, maybe the fan speculation shifts to someone else. But the Doncic tie to those former teammates? It’s a neat story. Just not a real trade rumor.
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