The Los Angeles Lakers could get Daniel Gafford from the Mavericks, who shined playing off Luka Doncic during their 2024 NBA Finals run. Luka wants a rim-rolling big man capable of protecting the rim. Gafford checks those boxes and keeps improving. It is a pressure-packed offseason in LA and getting their new star a familiar center is ideal.
Luka made Jaxson Hayes look good. He is one of the best pick-and-roll ball-handlers and an elite lob passer. Doncic has eyes in the back of his head and always finds an open big man for an easy deuce. He turned Gafford into a consistent double-digit per game score and key starter on a team that reached the finals.
The two quickly grew close after a midseason trade that send Gafford from Washington to Dallas in 2024. So close, the 6’10 big man considered becoming a naturalized citizen of Slovenia to play with Luka’s national team. Both sides would certainly welcome a reunion in Hollywood.
Lakers would love to add Daniel Gafford this summer
Gafford is set to make $14.3 million next season in the final year of his contract. Dallas has Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and P.J. Washington fighting for big man minutes with Cooper Flagg set to join after an improbable lottery win. The Mavs must move a big man to playing time, and Gafford’s expiring contract makes him the most likely.
Beyond his connection with Luka, Gafford is an elite finisher around the rim and a strong shot-blocker. He has shot over 70 percent from the field for three straight years and blocked 1.8 shots in 21.5 minutes per game over his 86 games with the Mavericks.
The 26-year-old is in his prime. His athletic ability and two-way potential are musts in any center target. Rob Pelinka already fleeced Nico Harrison in the Luka trade. He could do it again this summer to land Gafford as the Lakers’ starting center.
The 6’10 big man began all 22 games for Dallas in the 2024 playoffs and played 20.2 minutes per contest. He can stay on the floor in the playoffs. Luka wants a big man. Getting him someone he trusts who can play in the most important games makes Gafford the perfect fit.
The Lakers could offer the expiring contract of Maxi Kleber or Gabe Vincent plus some salary filler like Shake Milton or Jordan Goodwin with draft capital. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison doesn’t appear to care about picks, so this could be the Lakers getting another bargain from Dallas.
The Los Angeles Lakers must get Luka Doncic a center this offseason. Daniel Gafford would instantly be a key piece, but can the franchise pull this off? It is the dream scenario. Sadly, that doesn’t guarantee it works out. Dallas has him on the block, which may allow LA to swoop in. Fans can only hope.
