The Los Angeles Lakers have shown renewed interest in acquiring Daniel Gafford, a 6-foot-10 center currently with the Dallas Mavericks, who has proven his value alongside Luka Doncic during the 2023-24 campaign.

Gafford was instrumental in Dallas’s run to the NBA Finals, serving as a reliable rim-runner and screen setter, complementing Doncic’s playmaking abilities.

The Lakers see Gafford as a key piece to bolster their interior defense and rebounding, while reigniting a proven pick-and-roll partnership that could elevate their offensive and defensive schemes. Reuniting these teammates presents a promising synergy for Los Angeles as they continue to push for playoff success.​

Lakers’ Frontcourt Needs and Trade Realm

Despite the strong start from newly acquired Deandre Ayton, the Lakers remain in search of a more consistent and dynamic big man to anchor the paint.

Daniel Gafford’s combination of size, athleticism, and familiarity with Doncic fits this need perfectly. Dallas, on the other hand, is reportedly contemplating roster changes amid a slow start to their season, which opens the possibility for Gafford to be available in a trade before the deadline.

Though Gafford signed a three-year, $60 million extension recently, teams like the Lakers are monitoring his availability closely, keeping the buzz alive around potential midseason moves.​

Potential Impact on Lakers’ Contention

A trade for Gafford could significantly impact the Lakers’ trajectory this season by adding size and versatility that complements their star core.

With Luka Doncic already delivering eye-popping numbers (averaging 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists) the addition of a familiar teammate like Gafford could streamline offensive execution and strengthen defensive resilience.

The Lakers currently sit fourth in the competitive Western Conference, and a move to reunite stars with established chemistry could be the catalyst needed to maintain and elevate their playoff positioning as the season progresses.