NBA Rumors: The Lakers Want to Fish in the Wizards' Waters

Los Angeles Lakers could return to negotiating with the Washington Wizards just months after completing a trade between the two franchises. According to journalist Jovan Buha, the Lakers might explore the addition of Bilal Coulibaly or Justin Champagnie to strengthen their roster around Luka Doncic. To facilitate a deal, Los Angeles could offer back Jaden Hardy, who was acquired from Washington last summer. For now, however, this is a hypothetical scenario and not a confirmed negotiation.

Jaden Hardy could leave the Lakers three months after his arrival

The possibility was raised by Buha on his podcast Buha’s Block, where he pointed out that the Lakers might attempt to trade Hardy and wondered if the Wizards would be willing to take him back. The journalist mentioned Coulibaly and Champagnie as two targets that would make sense for Los Angeles, although he did not confirm that there is a negotiation between the two franchises.

Hardy arrived in California in July as part of the deal that sent Deandre Ayton to Washington in exchange for the young guard and two future second-round Draft picks, corresponding to 2031 and 2032. His potential departure so soon after landing with the Lakers would demonstrate that the front office is still evaluating how to fit the pieces of a roster built around Doncic.

The guard offers scoring ability and perimeter threat. During the 2025/26 season, he averaged 9.2 points in 57 games between Dallas and Washington, with a 39.7% shooting accuracy from three-point range. His profile could be useful as a bench scorer, especially alongside players capable of creating advantages and finding open shooters. However, his presence would not necessarily resolve all the Lakers' needs.

Bilal Coulibaly, the bet on defense and potential

Of the two names mentioned, Bilal Coulibaly represents the most interesting option if the Lakers want to strengthen their perimeter defense. The 22-year-old French forward combines length, mobility, and versatility to defend different perimeter positions. These qualities are particularly valuable for a team that needs to surround Doncic with players capable of taking on defensive responsibilities without demanding too many touches on offense.

During the 2025/26 season, Coulibaly averaged 11.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 56 games with the Wizards. His three-point shooting percentage was 31.9%, a figure that shows he still has room to improve as an exterior threat.

His fit in Los Angeles would largely depend on his offensive development. If he can improve his shooting and make better decisions with the ball, he could become a valuable complement to Doncic and Austin Reaves. However, his immediate appeal would be to provide defense, athleticism, and the ability to run the floor.

The big unknown is the price. Washington has reasons to value the potential of a young player with these characteristics, so it cannot be taken for granted that they would agree to get Hardy back in exchange for parting with Coulibaly.

Justin Champagnie, an alternative to strengthen the wings

Justin Champagnie offers a different profile. The 25-year-old forward does not have the same developmental potential as Coulibaly, but he can provide size, rebounding, and depth to the Lakers' wing rotation.

In the last season, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, with a 50.2% shooting percentage. His perimeter shooting was 31.9%, so he does not stand out as a established three-point specialist either.

His potential arrival would make sense if Los Angeles is looking for a player capable of competing for minutes at the wing positions and contributing in different facets without needing a starring role. Next to Doncic, his job would mainly consist of taking advantage of offensive opportunities, fighting for rebounds, and helping to sustain the defense.

Champagnie could represent a more modest alternative than Coulibaly, although that does not mean Washington would be willing to accept any offer. Contract conditions, the value the Wizards place on Hardy, and any additional compensation included would be determining factors.

Why might the Lakers change their plans so soon?

The possible departure of Hardy fits a usual logic in teams aspiring to compete for the championship: identifying which players best complement their stars and using expendable pieces to cover the most important shortfalls.

The Lakers need to balance their attack around Doncic and Reaves with players that bring perimeter defense, size, and versatility. Hardy can help generate points from the bench, but Coulibaly would offer defensive tools that the guard does not possess. Champagnie, for his part, would add depth and physical presence on the wings.

The question is whether it’s worth using a young player and the second-round picks received in the Ayton trade to seek that balance. Hardy still has room for growth, and his scoring ability may be useful during the regular season. Trading him so soon would also mean acknowledging that the summer acquisition does not fit entirely with the team's needs.

Furthermore, the move would depend on Washington's willingness. The Wizards would need to consider whether taking Hardy back is appealing and assess if the package received compensates for the loss of one of their wings.

A scenario that is still far from becoming a reality

Buha's statements open up a market possibility but do not confirm that the Lakers have started formal talks to close any of these deals. There are also no guarantees that Washington would be willing to part with Coulibaly or Champagnie under the proposed conditions.

The difference between both targets is clear: Coulibaly would be a bet on defensive potential and development, while Champagnie would offer a more rotational-completing solution. The choice would depend on how much the Lakers are willing to offer and what needs they identify during the early months of competition.

For now, Hardy continues to be part of the Lakers roster. If the franchise decides to explore alternatives, his ability to score from the perimeter could make him a negotiable piece. But the potential return to Washington and the arrival of either of the two wings remain, for the moment, a hypothesis posed by a journalist and not an imminent trade.

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