Heading into the offseason with significant projected cap space, the Los Angeles Lakers are widely expected to address their long-standing instability at the center position. Last summer, the franchise signed former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton in hopes of finally stabilizing what had become a revolving door in recent years.
Instead, Ayton’s inconsistent play has only intensified scrutiny, raising fresh questions about his long-term fit in Los Angeles.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has since identified center as one of the Lakers’ top offseason priorities, suggesting meaningful changes could arrive regardless of Ayton’s $8.1 million player option. With multiple avenues available, the organization appears poised to explore both free agency and the trade market in search of a more reliable solution.
Lakers Could Target Familiar Luka Doncic Teammate
While the Lakers have been linked to restricted free agents in other positions, such as Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, Pelton believes the most realistic path to upgrading at center may come via unrestricted free agency or trade. He specifically named Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III as “realistic possibilities,” but also outlined a compelling trade scenario involving a former Luka Doncic teammate.
Reflecting on how the Dallas Mavericks rebuilt around Doncic to reach the 2024 NBA Finals after missing the playoffs the year prior, Pelton highlighted the impact of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, who helped transform Dallas’ interior presence.
“If Dallas is willing to do business with the Lakers again after firing its general manager who made the Doncic trade (Nico Harrison), Gafford and (P.J.) Washington would be sensible trade targets this summer,” he wrote. Through 40 games this season, Gafford has averaged 8.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 62.5% from the field.
For a Lakers team that has struggled with physicality, rebounding, and interior defense, the 27-year-old presents an appealing profile. His rim protection, finishing ability, and familiarity playing alongside Doncic could address several of the team’s most persistent weaknesses.
Daniel Gafford’s Contract Adds Long-Term Appeal
Gafford is currently in the final season of a three-year, $40.1 million contract, earning $14.3 million in 2025-26. A three-year, $54.3 million extension will then begin, paying him $17.2 million in 2026-27 and rising to $18.9 million by the 2028-29 season. That structure makes him an especially attractive trade target, as any acquiring team would secure a reliable starting-caliber center on a cost-controlled, long-term deal.
Fadeaway World’s Nico Martinez also identified Gafford as an ideal offseason target for Los Angeles.
“Daniel Gafford isn’t the most ambitious center option for the Lakers, but he’s arguably the safest,” Martinez wrote. “Out of anyone else in the NBA, Gafford knows how to play with Luka Doncic, thanks to their time together on the Mavericks.”
“If the Lakers really value chemistry, continuity, and familiarity, Gafford ($17.3M) is arguably the best player available, since we know that he can succeed playing with Doncic.”
Lakers May Face Obstacles in Trade Pursuit
Despite the logical fit, a deal with Dallas may prove complicated. The Athletic’s Dan Woike previously reported that trade relations between the two franchises currently have a “gigantic road closed” sign following last season’s highly controversial Doncic deal.
Competition could also be fierce. NBA reporter Evan Sidery noted that Gafford had as many as five suitors at the trade deadline, and that level of interest could easily resurface this offseason. With the Lakers also expected to explore a blockbuster pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, their approach may ultimately depend on how the broader market unfolds.
Still, if Los Angeles prioritizes roster balance and familiarity around Doncic, Gafford represents one of the most logical and attainable solutions to finally stabilize the center position.
