The blockbuster trade that brought Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers changed the franchise’s trajectory, but it didn’t solve every problem. In fact, sending Anthony Davis to Dallas created a massive hole in the middle that Deandre Ayton hasn’t quite filled.
Now, with the defense struggling to find its footing, the Lakers might be looking back to the Mavericks for an answer.
Will Daniel Gafford Fix the Los Angeles Lakers’ Rotation?
Consistency has been the main issue for Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes throughout the 2025-26 campaign. The center position has plagued Los Angeles for several seasons, and the Davis departure only highlighted the lack of a reliable defensive anchor. The front office knows they need an upgrade, and they might have found their man in Dallas.
A recent report from Bleacher Report suggests the Mavericks center could be on his way to Hollywood. The proposed package sends Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and a lightly protected 2031 first-round pick (top-three protected) to Dallas in exchange for Daniel Gafford.
The immediate impact of this trade would be on defense. Entering Friday’s slate of games, Gafford is averaging 1.6 blocks per night, providing the rim protection Los Angeles desperately lacks. That number eclipses anyone currently on the Lakers roster.
By comparison, Ayton is averaging just 0.9 rejections per game this year. While he has had moments where he locks down the paint, the consistency just hasn’t been there. Gafford offers a more reliable presence at the rim, which is exactly what this team needs to contend.
On the other end of the floor, Gafford brings value that doesn’t always show up in the box score. Picture him setting hard screens for Dončić or Austin Reaves. His ability to roll hard to the rim forces defenses to collapse, which creates wide-open looks for shooters on the perimeter. It is a dynamic that could unlock another level for this offense.
Financial flexibility is just as important as on-court production in the modern NBA. Gafford is currently on a team-friendly contract, specifically a three-year, $ 54.38 million deal. The best part for Los Angeles is that the extension doesn’t officially begin until the start of next season, giving the front office cost certainty for the foreseeable future.
Trading future assets is always risky, but this deal leaves the cupboard relatively stocked. Los Angeles would retain their first-round selections in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032. Plus, the top-three protection on that 2031 pick acts as a crucial insurance policy. If the team bottoms out five years from now, they won’t lose a potential lottery talent.
Should this deal happen, head coach JJ Redick will face a difficult decision regarding his starting five. However, having Ayton and Gafford competing for minutes would turn a weakness into a legitimate strength.
