Lakers likely to stand pat, passing on Washington and Jones trades

Lakers reporter Jovan Buha says the team appears set to avoid a deadline move for P.J. Washington or Derrick Jones Jr. Buha notes the Lakers lack strong trade capital and sit near the apron, making any deal for a starting-caliber forward difficult.

He points to Jarred Vanderbilt's contract and injury history as a likely obstacle to freeing up money for a bigger swing. Instead, the Lakers appear ready to rely on their existing forwards, including offseason signings Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili, at least through the trade deadline.

Derrick Jones Jr.Jarred Vanderbilt P.J. Washington Sandro Mamukelashvili Ziaire Williams

Related updates

Heavy ↗· 6 Oct 2026

Trade rumor · DAL / LAL

Developing

Buha says he'd 'sign up' for Vanderbilt-Knecht deal for PJ Washington

Reporter Jovan Buha says he would happily take a Lakers trade sending Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt, or Knecht plus three second-round picks, to Dallas for PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford.

Hoops Rumors ↗· 5 Oct 2026

Update · DAL / DET

Developing

Washington trade buzz, extension watch and Duren recap in one column

Marc Stein reports rival teams believe Dallas could eventually move P.J. Washington given its forward depth, even though Washington says Masai Ujiri assured him he isn't being shopped.

Heavy ↗· 24 Sept 2026

Trade rumor · DAL / LAL

Developing

Trade idea sends Washington to LA for Knecht, Vanderbilt and a pick

A trade proposal from Basketnews.com would send PJ Washington from Dallas to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 second-round pick originally acquired from Washington in the Deandre Ayton deal.