NBA Rumors: The Lakers Could Lure a Former Key Teammate of Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers have real reasons to think big for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Their exciting start, with a 7-3 record keeping them among the top teams in the West, fuels hope for an even higher ceiling, especially considering they are still awaiting the debut of LeBron James.

However, this good start has also exposed some clear issues that need addressing if they want to contend for the title: their defense, currently ranked 21st in efficiency according to NBA.com, and performance at the center position, where Deandre Ayton holds a dismal -14.5 differential.

A logical move to address both deficiencies at once would be to go after Daniel Gafford, former partner of Luka Dončić in Dallas and one of the most productive big men in systems with elite playmakers. According to Brett Siegel (ClutchPoints), "several teams are monitoring his situation," and the Lakers have maintained a "strong interest" in him since last season.

From the Lakers' perspective, the deal fits naturally. Ayton has struggled to find his place, with inconsistent performance and lacking the athleticism profile that best complements Dončić, James, and Reaves. Gafford, on the other hand, fits precisely into that mold: an explosive rim-runner, ideal for finishing near the basket, protecting the paint, and providing constant energy. Moreover, he has already shown he can perform alongside Dončić, as both were starters for the Mavs who made the Finals in 2024.

A hurdle in Dallas? The aftermath of the Dončić disaster

The uncertainty lies in Gafford's actual availability. Dallas is going through a profound crisis after the operation involving Dončić, which proved devastating for the franchise and has put general manager Nico Harrison under scrutiny. Under that context, the Mavs might be reluctant to negotiate again with the Lakers to avoid the perception of continually losing talent to the same direction.

However, that reasoning, while understandable emotionally, is not a rational way of conducting business in the NBA. If Dallas decides they need to turn their productive veterans into future assets, they should entertain the best offer that comes their way, regardless of the team logo.

The issue for the Lakers, though, is that their ability to put together an appealing package is limited. They have already traded away two future first-round picks, and their collection of young, promising players is scarce. Even their big bet from the 2024 draft, Dalton Knecht, is challenging to sell as an up-and-coming prospect: he is 24 years old, strictly fills a shooting role, and is shooting a mere 24.2% from three-point range.

In any case, it also does not seem like there will be a flood of teams aggressively pursuing Gafford. He is a solid player, indeed, but still a role player who will start the next season with a three-year, $54.4 million contract. Only teams with high aspirations and uncertainties at the center position will consider paying a significant price for him.

An ideal fit for an incomplete project

And that kind of team is precisely the Lakers. Their record is noteworthy, but their actual performance—17th in net rating despite being fifth in win percentage—indicates they still have multiple areas for improvement. LeBron's return will be a massive boost, yet even with him on the court, they will still require more defensive impact and a center capable of sustaining the team's structure.

Even in a talent-laden Western Conference, a healthy and cohesive version of the Lakers featuring James, Dončić, and Reaves fears no one. They may not be the outright favorite, but they will be firmly in the mix. One potential scenario would involve the Lakers offering a mix of usable contracts and future assets—likely some second-round picks, young pieces like Knecht, and salaries to match—in exchange for Gafford.

This kind of build would allow Dallas to acquire future value without taking on significant short-term commitments. For the Lakers, it would be a significant step towards a more balanced lineup, with a reliable rim protector, a vertical finisher, and a perfect complement to their star core.

If the Lakers aim to be genuine contenders, they need a center who meets the demands of the system and competitive level they are seeking. Gafford embodies precisely that profile. And with the Mavericks in a downward spiral, this could be a unique opportunity. Whether the paths of both franchises will intersect again remains to be seen, but sports logic suggests that the Lakers should, at the very least, try.