Lakers predicted to swap Jarred Vanderbilt for $88M perfect Luka Doncic lob threat in mega deal

The Los Angeles Lakers pursued Jonathan Kuminga throughout the entire summer, even when it seemed like he wasn’t going to end up in Los Angeles. After all of Kuminga’s options were exhausted, it sure seemed like the Lakers were going to be the team he signed with.

However, that was not the case at all, as LA couldn’t get the job done. Instead, Kuminga signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus a player option, agent Aaron Turner tells ESPN. Kuminga will be a starter alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on the West contender," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.

Since then, the Lakers have been looking for a starting power forward and another rotational big man.

“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."

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes LA could trade Jarred Vanderbilt for Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington.

“However, as the season progresses, if L.A. recognizes its need at power forward, Washington is a strong fit as a former Dončić teammate who is a willing role player, defender, and shooter. He's not as accurate from three-point range as the Lakers would want, but Washington knows well where Dončić is going to get him the ball and is willing to let it fly. The Lakers' advantage in going after Washington is that Dallas would probably be happy to take Vanderbilt's $13.3 million player option for 2027-28 to get out of Washington's longer deal,” Pincus wrote.

This would be an intriguing deal for the Lakers, as it would reunite Luka Dončić with one of his former teammates from Dallas. Washington would also give LA another versatile forward who can defend, shoot and finish around the rim.

Washington is currently on an $88 million contract with the Mavericks. The trade would be a significant move for the Lakers and could finally give them the type of forward they have been looking for.

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