JUST IN: The Lakers are predicted to “try” to get Luka Doncic’s old teammate.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing a reunion between Luka Donฤiฤ and his former Dallas Mavericks teammate, Daniel Gafford, to bolster their frontcourt depth and enhance team chemistry.
After acquiring Donฤiฤ in a blockbuster midseason trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, the Lakers have been seeking a reliable center to complement their star duo of Donฤiฤ and LeBron James. Gafford, a 6-foot-10 center known for his athleticism and rim protection, emerged as a potential target due to his previous on-court synergy with Donฤiฤ.
During their time together in Dallas, Donฤiฤ and Gafford developed a strong pick-and-roll partnership, with Gafford averaging 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks over 51 games in the 2024โ25 season. His ability to finish lobs and protect the rim aligns with the Lakers’ need for a dynamic presence in the paint.
The Lakers’ interest in Gafford also stems from their current roster composition. Following the departure of Davis, Los Angeles has relied on Jaxson Hayes at center, who has performed admirably but lacks Gafford’s defensive prowess and experience. Acquiring Gafford would provide the Lakers with a more formidable interior defense and allow for greater flexibility in their rotations.
Financially, Gafford’s contract is considered manageable, making a trade feasible without compromising the Lakers’ salary cap structure. Additionally, Gafford’s expressed interest in playing alongside Donฤiฤ again could facilitate a smoother transition and integration into the team’s system.
As the Lakers aim to capitalize on the remaining prime years of LeBron James and the ascending trajectory of Donฤiฤ, reuniting the Slovenian star with Gafford could be a strategic move to solidify their championship aspirations. The front office is expected to explore this option further as they assess potential roster enhancements during the offseason.