Lakers Trade Rumors Heat Up with Daniel Gafford as a Potential Target
The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season on a promising note, yet they remain a distance away from being regarded as true “legitimate title contenders.” While their early success is commendable, it is evident that the team requires a strategic move or two to elevate their status among the NBA elite. The expectation looms large that the Lakers will make such a move this season. The real question is: what will that trade look like?
Potential Targets on the Trading Block
As the season unfolds, numerous players are expected to surface on the trading block—individuals who could significantly bolster the Lakers’ roster in various capacities. One name that has recently emerged in trade discussions is Daniel Gafford, a big man previously associated with Luka Doncic during their time together on the Dallas Mavericks.
NBA insider Jake Fischer has suggested that Gafford could be a valuable addition to the Lakers. In a recent mailbag, Fischer pointed out the potential benefits of acquiring Gafford, particularly in relation to his prior success alongside Doncic in Dallas. “The Lakers are still undoubtedly going to be looking for long-term pick-and-roll lob threat pairings for Luka Doncic and also for Austin Reaves, but particularly for Doncic,” Fischer noted. “Who better to go after than someone who had massive success alongside of Doncic in Dallas, where they made the Finals together?”
Gafford’s Trade Eligibility and Contract Structure
Gafford’s contract situation adds to his appeal as a trade candidate. He signed a three-year, $54 million extension with the Mavericks in July, but it doesn’t kick in until the 2026-27 season. This structure was intentionally designed to avoid the standard six-month no-trade restriction that often accompanies higher-value contracts, allowing the Mavericks the flexibility to trade him if needed while also positioning him as a key component of their frontcourt.
Given the current trajectory of the Mavericks, there is speculation that they might seek to deal Gafford ahead of the trade deadline in February.
Possible Trade Framework for the Lakers
In terms of what a trade might look like for Los Angeles, Fischer identified Rui Hachimura as a significant piece the Lakers could offer. “What type of outgoing salary could that mean? I mean, they have a good chunk to combine Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent in the event that they do see someone they identify and want to go target and add,” he explained.
However, Fischer cautioned that the Lakers might opt for a more measured approach before making any significant moves. “But I think at this point in time, the Lakers are still going to also be in a little bit of a wait-and-see mode, see what this group really looks like. See what the context is before they really push their chips in and make some type of move.”
As the season progresses, the interplay of trade rumors and on-court performance will undoubtedly shape the Lakers’ strategy. The murmurs surrounding Gafford are just one aspect of a larger narrative as Los Angeles navigates its path toward a potential title run.
