Anthony Davis’s recent absence from the Lakers has once again highlighted the need for a legitimate reinforcement at center. A number of names have already popped up on their radar, but recent news surrounding a rival’s man in the middle could add to their list of trade targets.
Should Lakers Pursue Mavericks Center on Trading Block?
Daniel Gafford Enters Trade Talks
On Friday, The Athletic revealed that the Mavericks put center Daniel Gafford in trade talks, reportedly asking for a “perimeter defender” in return. Dallas has dealt with a gauntlet of injuries as they aim for their own playoff push, notably to Luka Doncic and—more recently—Dereck Lively II. Despite the latter’s absence, Lively has all but cemented himself as the Mavericks’ starting big man going forward, leaving Dallas willing to part ways with Gafford to enhance their depth at other positions.
In 40 games (17 starts) this season, Gafford has averaged 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 assists. He has shot 70.5% from the field and 66.7% from the free-throw line.
Daniel Gafford last night, despite the loss:
27 PTS
12 REB
2 AST
2 BLK
12-13 FGThe Landlord is back.
pic.twitter.com/y6HtGiZ2Yu— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) January 16, 2025
The Case for Gafford
Considering Gafford’s success for a rival contender, coupled with his play on both ends of the floor, the 6’10”, 234-pound center could be an ideal target for the Lakers. Head coach JJ Redick has longed for a physical, bruising center and recently said he would experiment with two-big lineups in spurts.
Gafford has had some excellent performances this season, imposing his will in the paint, crashing the glass for rebounds and defending the rim with ease. This season—a career-best for his scoring so far—he has converted 75% of Dallas’ alley-oops to him (28/37) and scored on 70% of his post-ups. Gafford has also put up solid numbers on the boards, including 2.3 per game on the offensive end—a point of emphasis for the Lakers. Defensively, the 26-year-old has rejected 58 attempts this season and had eight games with three or more blocks. Pairing his skills with Davis’s dominance could make for a nightmare defensive duo. Offensively, his ability to finish at the rim would give LeBron James and Austin Reaves another option for piling points in the paint.
Gafford’s emergence as a reliable big man—whether as a starter or backup—makes him a very intriguing target the Lakers could pursue. The team had expressed interest in him around this time last season. With their need for center depth persisting—and with time running out on other targets—it wouldn’t hurt to explore acquiring a young two-way big in Gafford.
Could the Lakers Pull Off a Trade for Gafford?
The Lakers have the contracts to match Gafford’s $13.4 million salary this season, including a couple of perimeter defenders who they could move on from. One name that could make sense in this scenario is Gabe Vincent, who has reportedly been “dangled” in trade talks for a center. Next to Max Christie—a current starter for the Lakers—and Jarred Vanderbilt—an injured defensive-minded wing—Vincent’s salary is large enough for the Lakers to include in a trade. Doing so (along with salary fillers and draft capital) may be their best option toward further upgrades for the future—and that’s the case whether they pivot to Gafford or stick to other rumored targets.
