Lakers Consider Bold Trade for Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford to Enhance Championship Aspirations
The NBA landscape has evolved over the last few seasons, with rim-running, lob-finishing centers becoming integral to many teams’ rotations. This trend is particularly pronounced for franchises lucky enough to have a transcendent playmaker like Luka Dončić leading the charge. The Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of the 26-year-old sensation from the Dallas Mavericks at last season’s trade deadline marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, signaling a new direction and a heightened emphasis on finding a specific type of center—one who can not only deter opponents at the rim but also elevate the offense with high-flying dunks.
The Search for a Complementary Center
With Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka securing a promising pick-and-roll partner for Dončić by signing Deandre Ayton, the team appears to be on the hunt for another impactful big man this season. Recent speculation suggests that Pelinka may revisit discussions with the Mavericks, focusing on the dynamic and athletic 6-foot-10 center, Daniel Gafford.
As noted by an NBA commentator, “The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to be their new starting center, although Daniel Gafford may actually fit the roster better as a rim-running center.” Gafford, while likely to serve as a backup to Ayton, would still command significant playing time and represents a considerable upgrade over current options like Jaxson Hayes.
Gafford’s Impressive Track Record
At just 27 years old, Gafford has established himself as one of the NBA’s most dependable backup centers, excelling on both ends of the court. His time alongside Dončić in the latter half of the 2023-24 season was particularly noteworthy. In his 29 games with the Mavericks, Gafford experienced the best stretch of his career, averaging 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while boasting an astonishing 78.0% shooting percentage.
These statistics underscore Gafford’s potential as an ideal complementary piece for the Lakers, enhancing their offensive and defensive capabilities. However, negotiating a fair trade could prove challenging. To construct a feasible deal, Los Angeles might need to consider including players like Dalton Knecht and Jaxson Hayes in discussions.
A Promising Future with the Mavericks
Gafford’s first full season with the Mavericks in 2024-25 further solidified his status as a valuable asset. He delivered a career-best performance, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks on an impressive 70.2% shooting clip in just 21.5 minutes per game. His continued growth and productivity make him a prime target for the Lakers as they look to enhance their roster and chase a championship in the upcoming season.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on whether the Lakers and Mavericks can strike a deal that benefits both franchises, potentially reshaping the landscape of the Western Conference.
