The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a bold move in the NBA offseason, with their sights set on Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford to bolster their frontcourt. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, the Lakers are desperate to address their glaring need for a starting-caliber center. Gafford, a 26-year-old rim-running big man with a proven track record alongside Lakers star Luka Doncic, has emerged as a prime target. However, acquiring the Mavericks’ treasure could come at a steep cost.
Why Gafford Is the Perfect Fit
Gafford’s appeal to the Lakers is undeniable. During his time with the Mavericks, he showcased his ability to thrive in a system built around Doncic, excelling as a lob threat, rim protector, and rebounder. In the 2023-24 season, Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in just 21.5 minutes per game, proving his efficiency on both ends of the court. His chemistry with Doncic, forged during their time together in Dallas, makes him an ideal fit to complement the Lakers’ new superstar and LeBron James. Gafford’s ability to set solid screens, finish at the rim, and anchor the paint defensively addresses the Lakers’ need for a reliable big man to compete against the league’s elite frontcourts.
However, Gafford’s fit comes with a caveat: he doesn’t stretch the floor, which could limit offensive spacing. Despite this, his defensive prowess and familiarity with Doncic’s playstyle make him a valuable asset for a team looking to contend immediately.
The Cost of the Trade
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha on a recent episode of Buha’s Block, the Lakers may need to overpay to secure Gafford due to the Mavericks’ reluctance to trade with Los Angeles again. The two teams made waves in February 2025 with a blockbuster deal that sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick—a trade widely seen as a steal for L.A. The backlash from that deal, which reportedly sparked protests among Mavericks fans, has made Dallas GM Nico Harrison wary of further dealings with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. This perception could force the Lakers to offer a premium package.
Buha suggested a potential trade package could include Gabe Vincent, rookie Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick. Other mock trades circulating on platforms like X propose variations, such as D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a second-round pick, or even a multi-team deal involving players like Maxi Kleber and draft pick swaps. The exact cost remains speculative, but the consensus is clear: the Lakers will need to part with significant assets, potentially including young talent or valuable draft capital, to land Gafford.
Why the Mavericks Might Let Gafford Go
The Mavericks’ situation makes Gafford a plausible trade candidate. With a crowded frontcourt featuring Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and the newly acquired No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, Dallas faces a minutes crunch. Gafford, who is entering the final year of his $14.3 million contract, is reportedly seeking a starter-level salary, which the Mavericks may be hesitant to offer given their commitments to Davis and Lively. Trading Gafford could allow Dallas to address their need for a playmaking guard, especially with Kyrie Irving sidelined by a torn ACL, while also clearing cap space.
However, the optics of another trade with the Lakers could be a hurdle. As noted by Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, the NBA world is watching closely, and Dallas may demand a premium to justify another deal with L.A. after the controversial Doncic trade.
Is It Worth It?
For the Lakers, the decision to overpay for Gafford hinges on their championship aspirations. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the charge, a defensive anchor like Gafford could elevate their roster to contender status. His expiring contract also offers flexibility, allowing the Lakers to clear cap space for future star-hunting in 2026 if needed. However, parting with promising young players like Dalton Knecht or draft picks could limit their long-term options, especially if Gafford doesn’t sign an extension.
On the flip side, the Lakers’ reluctance to include Austin Reaves in any deal for a non-elite big man, as reported by Dan Woike, suggests they are prioritizing their core. If the trade package balloons to include too many assets, the Lakers may need to weigh whether Gafford is worth the cost compared to other targets like Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton or Atlanta’s Clint Capela.
The Road Ahead
As the NBA offseason heats up, the Lakers’ pursuit of Daniel Gafford will be a storyline to watch. The combination of his fit with Doncic, his defensive upside, and the Mavericks’ roster dynamics makes this trade a realistic possibility—but only if the Lakers are willing to pay a hefty price. Whether it’s draft picks, young talent, or a combination of both, L.A. must decide if Gafford is the missing piece to turn their playoff disappointment into a championship run.
For now, the NBA world waits to see if the Lakers can pull off another blockbuster with Dallas and reunite Doncic with his former teammate. One thing is certain: snatching the Mavericks’ treasure won’t come cheap.