Lakers predicted to trade Jaden Hardy for $88M elite rim runner to pair with Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers have done a good job of adding to their roster, but there are still a good number of question marks surrounding certain positions. One thing that is clear, however, is that the season is being built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

LA brought in Walker Kessler to open free agency. However, the organization is still looking for another center on the trade market.

“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."

There is a bigger need than the center position, however, and that is the power forward spot. The team still does not have a clear starter at the position.

“Then, there is the power forward position. This is the last domino among the starting lineup that really does not have full clarity just yet. There are certainly players internally, and even externally, who could fill the vacancy," Lake Show Life's Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.

The Lakers are going to need a strong power forward, as the options currently on the roster are not ideal. NBA writer Jake Weinbach has proposed a potential trade package that would send PJ Washington to the Lakers.

“A trade idea between the Lakers, Mavericks, and Bulls: Lakers-PJ Washington. Mavericks-Jaden Hardy, Adou Thiero, 2032 first-round pick swap (via LAL), 2032 second-round pick (via WAS from LAL). Bulls-Jake LaRavia (via RMLE),” Weinbach wrote.

LA has been trying to move Jaden Hardy and others in a package throughout the summer. However, the surprise in this proposal is Adou Thiero, whom the Lakers have reportedly been high on.

Washington is currently on an $88 million contract with the Mavericks. The Lakers would be pairing Doncic with his former teammate, with whom he previously had a lot of success. The duo reached the NBA Finals together, making this a potentially strong move for LA. If the Lakers can make a deal like this happen, it would go a long way toward solidifying their starting lineup heading into the season.

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