The Los Angeles Lakers continue to search for a starting forward to round out a massive roster overhaul. Washington is the potential starter whom Los Angeles needs most. If any of them underperform, Los Angeles could be stuck—much as it is with forward Jarred Vanderbilt. With this in mind, the Lakers' best path forward is to avoid a trade for Washington until they're closer to the trade deadline. Los Angeles still needs to identify a starter, but trading for Washington simply isn't worth the risk at this stage of the building process.