Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal 

From a fit perspective, it’s hard to imagine a better fit for this group than Washington. 

Granted, Washington is the type of malleable player who ought to fit anywhere. He’s a 3-and-D forward who can man the 5 in small-ball lineups. It’s not hard to work with a player like Washington. 

Still, it’s that last skill that makes him an especially intriguing fit with the Lakers. Lineups featuring Washington at the 5 will provide the spacing Westbrook needs to thrive.

Some fans will recall that Westbrook had one of the most efficient runs of his career playing with PJ Tucker at the 5 as a member of the Houston Rockets.  

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

Meanwhile, frontcourt pairings featuring Washington alongside Anthony Davis ought to be potent defensively. All told, Washington does a lot for this group – he’s easily worth a future pick swap to them. 

Is that swap worth losing Washington for the Hornets?