Lakers Can Reunite Luka Doncic With Ex-Teammate If Mavericks Fail To Agree On Deal With 6'10 Big Man

Yahoo

2 days ago

The Los Angeles Lakers, following a disappointing early exit from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, are actively seeking solutions to bolster their roster, particularly in the frontcourt.
One potential target was presented as Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. Although initial reports made it seem like Gafford wouldn't be available for acquisition, recent updates suggest that the Lakers may still have a chance at landing the center.
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Gafford's future with the Mavericks is uncertain due to ongoing contract extension negotiations. The Mavs' big man is entering the final year of his contract and wants a pay raise. However, Dallas has to consider all their options as their starting center, Dereck Lively, is also a year away from being available for a contract extension.
In light of this, Gafford finds himself at a bit of an impasse with the organization. At 26 years old, he has proven to be one of the most hardworking and effective centers coming off the bench. With an average of 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, the Mavs' big man made solid contributions to the team's efforts, even during his few games as a starter.
Gafford's contract is currently valued at $14.3 million. Although there is no scope to give him more money in the immediate context, the Mavs could offer him an extension. But, if this deal is not reached, it would be sensible for the team to look at trading him to get some value out of him rather than losing him in free agency.
The Mavericks' position in this case is very interesting. With the No. 1 pick in the draft, Dallas is likely to select Cooper Flagg. While this has major connotations for the team's future development, it doesn't answer some pressing concerns that they will have in the immediate context.
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With Kyrie Irving out, tentatively till January 2026, the Mavs are reportedly going to be on the lookout for a point guard.
With the Gafford extension also looming overhead, there is a likelihood that the franchise could look to ship Gafford in an attempt to secure a playmaker and maybe another role player.
Although the Purple and Gold made some moves to sign Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets before the trade deadline, they rescinded the trade as they felt they were giving up too much. However, this decision subsequently hurt them as the lack of a solid center in their rotation saw them make a quiet exit after a five-game series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers need a big man. The Mavericks need a playmaker. The situation itself sets the tone for a potential trade.
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Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht
The Lakers Could Swing For A Trade With The Mavs For Gafford
A potential trade between the Lakers and the Mavericks for Daniel Gafford could work on paper. However, there are a lot of things that need to be considered first.
The immediate challenge is identifying who benefits from this trade. On the Mavericks' end, acquiring Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht doesn't seem like a horrible idea. Vincent provides stubborn-defensive work and perimeter shooting. Meanwhile, Knecht has displayed talent for being a flat-out three-point threat as well as a gifted scorer.
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However, this doesn't address the Mavericks' immediate need, which is playmaking. Although Vincent can take over the role, he has displayed very little aptitude for initiating and cultivating plays for his teammates. Although a system involving Davis and Flagg may not require a creative playmaker, the Lakers guard may not be the right fit in this context.
On the Lakers' side, the addition of Gafford solves a majority of the team's issues in the frontcourt. With the 26-year-old joining the team, the Purple and Gold would feature a solid pick-and-roll center who can act as a lob threat at the drop of a hat. His prior experience of playing alongside Doncic is a bonus that rounds up the overall benefits of his arrival.
A trade with the Mavericks also seems a bit optimistic for the Lakers. After the Davis-Doncic trade, fans were asking for Mavs GM Nico Harrison's head on a plate. The backlash of making such a trade has undoubtedly made the franchise resistant to dealing with the Purple and Gold. If it hasn't, Dallas will at least be more mindful of what kind of deal they make when discussing possible packages with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
Regardless, the Lakers' need for a big man has been made quite obvious. With this in mind, several potential candidates have emerged as targets. The Mavs' big man happens to be preferred because of his experience playing alongside Doncic.
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While the task of bringing Gafford over could be nigh impossible, the Lakers would benefit from swinging for the fences on this one. With the possibility of LeBron James returning next season, Gafford's addition would make the Lakers an instant contender again.
However, with more concerns to address, the Purple and Gold would also need to look at other major tried opportunities while simultaneously focusing on ways to improve their wing depth to bolster their perimeter defense.
Related: Lakers Might Land 'Shot-Blocker And Lob-Threat' Center In New Trade Idea