Lakers linked to Luka Doncic satisfying trade with Mavericks

It goes without saying that the Los Angeles Lakers can’t afford to endure a quiet offseason after failing to reach the Western Conference Finals for the third consecutive season. 

Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers two months into the 2024-25 season, wants more help on the interior, and there’s one specific move the franchise could make to satisfy its superstar point guard. 

According to NBA analyst Jake Weinbach, the Lakers could reunite Doncic with his former Dallas Mavericks in a roster-strengthening deal.

“Daniel Gafford could be a trade target for the Lakers with a package centered around the No. 25 overall pick in the draft,” Weinbach wrote Saturday.

“The Lakers are reportedly exploring the market for a center, while Gafford has experience playing alongside Luke Doncic from their time together in Dallas.”

While Gafford isn’t regarded as an ‘A-List center’ (which is what Doncic is ultimately seeking), he’s a physical, high-IQ big man who’s less than two years removed from high-pointing Luka Doncic-assisted lobs in Dallas. 

The Arkansas product’s efficiency around the rim is among his noticeable strong suits, as his commitment to employing a patient and fearless approach to finishing in the paint has allowed him to shoot 70.2% from the field to start his NBA career. Gafford is also a gifted shot-blocker (1.3 blocks per game) who enjoys the challenge of protecting the rim against well-known high-flyers. 

If Gafford isn’t on the Lakers’ frontcourt wishlist already, he should be relatively soon.

More NBA news:

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• Spurs predicted to outbid Warriors for $101 million Lakers star, four-time NBA champion

• Luka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can't afford to ignore