The Lakers are exploring trade options for a center, with Daniel Gafford emerging as a top target. Acquiring him from Dallas would likely require a significant overpay, potentially including Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and a future first-round pick.
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring the center market, with Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford emerging as two of the most frequently linked names.
3-pointers this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
However, landing Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks could come at a steep price, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
"They would probably have to overpay," Buha said on his recent podcast. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht], and a first for Gafford. And that's a lot."
Dallas already has Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis alongside Gafford in the frontcourt.
Gafford is also due for a contract extension and is expected to seek a raise, forcing the Mavs to make a key decision about his future.
The 26-year-old Gafford averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds over 57 games this past season.
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He became a reliable pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic in Dallas—before the Slovenian superstar was traded to the LA Lakers in a blockbuster deal that sent AD the other way.
Known for his athleticism and vertical presence at the rim, Gafford offers real value as a rim-running big.
But with Doncic now in LA, and many believing the Lakers won the Luka-AD trade, it remains to be seen whether Mavericks GM Nico Harrison would be open to making another major deal with Rob Pelinka.
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