Lakers Trade Rumors: Mavericks' $54 million center emerges on LA's radar as front office eyes Luka Doncic's reunion with high-flying teammate

Luka Doncic and the LA Lakers have the second-best record in the NBA entering Sunday's game against the Atlanta Hawks at 7-2. The latest rumors suggest that the Lakers are still looking for ways to improve their roster and are monitoring Doncic's former Dallas Mavericks teammate.

According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, teams around the NBA are starting to look into the Mavericks' bad start to the season. Some are wondering if they are going to make some moves before the trade deadline to improve the roster or possibly even overhaul it for next season.

One of the teams monitoring the situation is the Lakers, and they are reportedly interested in Daniel Gafford. The Mavericks signed Gafford to a three-year, $54 million extension that will start next season, though he's eligible for trade because his extension didn't meet the criteria for a restriction, as per Hoop Rumors.

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Daniel Gafford has only played four games this season due to an ankle injury suffered on the first day of training camp. Gafford is averaging 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He's been a starter in those four games in the absence of Dereck Lively II, who is dealing with a knee sprain.

Gafford played well alongside Luka Doncic during their brief stint together with the Dallas Mavericks. He's a lob threat when playing with Doncic, as well as a rim runner. He's also a massive improvement over Jaxson Hayes, who has been backing up a rejuvenated Deandre Ayton at center.

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Mark Cuban opens up about Luka Doncic's hot start to the season

Mark Cuban opens up about Luka Doncic's hot start to the season. (Photo: IMAGN)

Outside of early issues with his finger and leg, Luka Doncic has looked like an MVP when he's on the floor for the LA Lakers this season. Doncic has helped the Lakers start the campaign with a 7-2 record, something that not a lot of people expected.

Speaking on "The Stephen A. Smith Show," former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban opened up about Doncic's start to the season.

"I'm happy for Luka, because he's a great guy," Cuban said. "He's just a really special human being, his family is great. It's painful as a Mavs fan, and as somebody who, potentially, if I had done a better job of just defining my role in advance, might not have happened. It hurts me. I know it kills Mavs fans everywhere, but I'm happy for Luka."

The Mavericks are currently sitting last in the West standings at 2-7. They are also 2-4 at the American Airlines Center.

Edited by Juan Paolo David