Lakers get important update on possible blockbuster trade with Luka Doncic's former team

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts while watching a tribute video before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Until the Los Angeles Lakers acquire a dynamic center, the public will continue to discuss the organization’s unfortunate lack of a low-post presence. 

There are rumors that the Lakers could land a high-energy 6-foot-10 big man in a trade with Luka Doncic’s former team. On Thursday, the Athletic’s Jovan Buha provided Los Angeles with an update on the franchise’s chances of completing a blockbuster deal. 

“They probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe (Vincent), Dalton (Knecht), and a first-round pick for (Daniel) Gafford. And that's a lot."

Gafford’s career took a positive turn after the Washington Wizards traded him to the Dallas Mavericks midway through the 2023-24 season. 

The Arkansas product has always played with tremendous intensity, sprinting hard in transition, protecting the rim well, and serving as a trustworthy lob threat after setting impactful high-ball screens. 

However, the fan favorite is finally receiving the appropriate recognition in the big leagues with a Mavericks team that participated in the 2024 NBA Finals. 

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Despite battling injuries this year, Gafford continued to show why he’s a valuable role player with the Mavericks. The 6-foot-10 big man averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 70.2% from the field.

Surrendering Vincent, Knecht, and a first-round pick to the deal to the Mavericks wouldn’t be the end of the world. Sure, losing draft capital is never ideal. 

Still, with Vincent performing unsatisfactorily through two seasons, Knecht being a primary trade bait asset for months, and Gafford building chemistry with Doncic when the pair competed in Dallas, Buha’s trade idea should be viewed as a win for the Lakers. 

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