Los Angeles Lakers target Daniel Gafford in proposed Dallas Mavericks trade
The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring a trade for Dallas Mavericks centre Daniel Gafford as they look to build a championship roster around star guard Luka Doncic.
The Californian franchise are reportedly willing to part with Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and their 2026 first-round draft pick to secure the 25-year-old.
Los Angeles executives are eager to find a proven pick-and-roll partner to complement their Slovenian playmaker.
Reuniting a successful partnership
Gafford previously thrived alongside Doncic during their run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Adding the rim-protecting big man would address a glaring weakness in the Lakers’ frontcourt.
NBA front office insider Bobby Marks believes the move makes perfect financial sense for Los Angeles.
The Lakers do not lose any cap flexibility, as the outgoing salaries are almost identical to Gafford’s $17.2m salary for next season.
A new era in Dallas
Dallas have recently overhauled their front office and parted company with head coach Jason Kidd.
The Texan franchise are now pivoting towards a youth movement centred around highly-touted prospect Cooper Flagg.
Moving their starting centre would clear future cap space and add crucial draft capital to their rebuilding project.
However, any departure depends heavily on the health of sophomore big man Dereck Lively II.
Lively managed just seven appearances this season before undergoing right foot surgery in December.
Financial pressures mount elsewhere
Trade speculation is also intensifying around the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of the summer window.
The 2025 NBA champions face severe financial constraints that could force the departure of core players.
Rising star Jalen Williams has been linked with a complex multi-team move involving the Brooklyn Nets and Michael Porter Jr.