The Los Angeles Lakers [still have a center problem](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-have-immediate-deandre-ayton-problem-on-their-hands) and could turn to Luka Doncic’s former teammate, Daniel Gafford, to solve it. The 6’10 big man was the Mavericks' starting center during their 2024 run to the NBA Finals, but he is comfortable coming off the bench. Acquiring him would ensure the Lakers have a lob threat and rim protector on the floor for all 48 minutes.
Dallas has a glut of big men. Dereck Lively and Gafford are locked in at the five. It slides Anthony Davis down to the four, and Cooper Flagg to the three. It all but ensures that PJ Washington will come off the bench, and multiple frontcourt players will be upset by their reduced playing time. There simply aren't enough minutes for everyone. The Mavs have one trusted guard and desperately need a trade to balance out their roster.
Gafford signed a three-year $54.4 million extension this offseason. He is locked up through 2029 and thrived catching lobs from Luka. The duo could reunite in Los Angeles, but the Lakers will be forced to give up a first-round draft pick and help solve Dallas’ biggest issue if they want to make this trade a reality.
Lakers should offer this trade package for Daniel Gafford
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LA is [all-in on building around Luka](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-path-winning-championship-painfully-obvious), but they need two pieces. Jaxson Hayes should not be in the rotation of a title contender, and the Lakers need a perimeter defensive stopper to round out their roster. This deal may allow them to solve both issues.
The Mavs gave up a first-round draft pick to land Gafford at the 2024 trade deadline, and he instantly helped them reach the NBA Finals. Dallas will want more in return to move him, and the Lakers could certainly get it done.
This deal needs a third team because the trade has several moving parts. Here is a closer look at the five-player swap that would all but guarantee Gafford is wearing purple and gold.
Landing Gafford would allow him and Ayton to play shorter bursts. Keeping the big men fresh when carrying a significant defensive load would help significantly. The Lakers get a long-term solution at the position and wouldn’t be sweating Ayton’s future.
The Mavericks walk away with the Lakers' 2031 first-rounder and a first-round swap in 2026. Gabe Vincent can be a stopgap playmaker as Dallas tries to get Kyrie Irving healthy. The Mavs need someone to help keep their heads above water until their superstar returns. This clears their big man glut and gives them more assets to find upgrades.
The Nets would have to value Dalton Knecht to make this trade worthwhile. They are clearly rebuilding, so getting a young talent and a second-round draft pick for Haywood Highsmith is a win. Brooklyn got the wing for nothing, so turning him into some value is even better.
The Los Angeles Lakers want a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic, and Daniel Gafford is a strong long-term option. The 26-year-old has already proven he can thrive next to the Lakers star, and he’s right in the middle of his prime. Los Angeles has limited draft capital to trade, but this is a win-win. The Lakers get the defensive-minded wing they need, plus a trusted center.
Rob Pelinka should already be working the phones. The Lakers must make a trade to become serious title contenders. They don’t want to waste a year of Luka’s prime, so expect an upgrade to come before the Feb. 5 deadline. This deal should get it done for Gafford if that is how the Mavericks want to play it. With Nico Harrison in charge, Dallas is difficult to read, but don’t be surprised to see Pelinka fleece him again.