Lakers Receive Unfortunate News on Potential Mavericks Trade
Lakers Receive Unfortunate News on Potential Mavericks Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers' biggest priority this offseason will be to upgrade their frontcourt. It would be an added bonus if it was a big man Luka Doncic has played with before. One big man they could target is Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford.
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In a recent article, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report proposed a hypothetical deal that reunites Doncic and Gafford in LA. It actually would make sense as the Mavericks' frontcourt will likely be crowded. Along with Gafford, they will presumably enter the 2025-26 season with Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Dereck Lively II.
But would the Mavericks agree to another trade with the Lakers after the massive backlash they got for trading Doncic there at the trade deadline?
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jovan Buha of The Athletic revealed the Mavericks would have a steep price for the Lakers to pry him away from them. He detailed on his Buha's Block show what the Lakers would have to give up, which he believes is more than they should.
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"They probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht] and a first (round pick) for Gafford. And that's a lot."
This is unfrtunate news for a Lakers team already low on assets. That said, they are coming off being a first round exit on the NBA Playoffs, and only have so much time left with LeBron James. Gafford's not a star, but he would be much better than who LA had in its frontcourt.
During the 2024-25 season, Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.2% from the field. Add in his familiarity with Doncic, and he might just be worth an overpay.
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Related: Dwight Howard Makes Announcement Before NBA Finals
Related: Lakers Fans Excited After Chris Paul's Message on Thursday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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