Lakers get major Daniel Gafford trade update

Daniel Gafford has been on the Los Angeles Lakers’ radar since last offseason.

Many believed the Lakers could pair Luka Doncic with the high-energy 6-foot-10 wing who was Doncic’s teammate in Dallas (Mavericks).

Although the Lakers’ pursuit of Gafford has been unsuccessful thus far, he’s still an asset the Lakers are exploring a trade for. On Wednesday, the Athletic’s Dan Woike provided the public with a major new update on the Lakers’ chances of landing the 27-year-old center. 

“Naji Marshall has also generated interest around the Lakers, though the pathways to any deal with the Dallas Mavericks after the Luka Doncic trade last season have gigantic ‘road closed’ signs all over them,” Woike reported on Wednesday. “The same is probably true for Daniel Gafford.”

Potentially missing out on Gafford wouldn’t be as devastating if DeAndre Ayton were a more consistent and motivated low-post contributor. The Lakers have seen enough from the former Phoenix Suns center this season to know that it isn’t safe to rely on him for dependable production game in and game out. 

Ayton has experienced his share of highs, but he’s closer to a wild card than a stable frontcourt option moving forward (he’s averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season). 

With Gafford likely out of the picture, though, it’s likely Los Angeles won’t upgrade at center this season.

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