The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off their blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić earlier this year, are once again making waves in the NBA trade market. With a glaring need for a starting-caliber center to complement their star duo of Dončić and LeBron James, the Lakers have set their sights on Dallas Mavericks’ big man Daniel Gafford. However, the reported trade cost has sent shockwaves through the league, with analysts and fans alike stunned by the steep price the Mavericks are demanding. This article dives into the details of the proposed trade, Gafford’s value to the Lakers, and why the cost is raising eyebrows across the NBA.
The Lakers’ Desperate Need for a Center
The Lakers’ frontcourt deficiencies were painfully exposed during their first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024-25 season. After trading away Anthony Davis, a 10-time All-Star and elite rim protector, for Dončić, the Lakers were left with a thin rotation at the center position. Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len, while serviceable, struggled to match up against Minnesota’s formidable bigs, with Naz Reid exploiting their lack of size by scoring 23 points off the bench in Game 1 alone. The Lakers were outrebounded and outmuscled, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable center to anchor the paint.
Daniel Gafford, a 6-foot-10, 265-pound center known for his athleticism, rim protection, and efficiency, has emerged as a prime target. Gafford’s performance this season—averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game on an astounding 70.2% field goal shooting—makes him an ideal fit alongside Dončić, with whom he developed chemistry during their time together in Dallas. His ability to set screens, finish lobs, and protect the rim aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ need for a dynamic big man to complement their star-heavy lineup.
The Shocking Trade Cost
The Mavericks, however, are not making it easy for the Lakers to acquire Gafford. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers would likely need to offer a package that includes Gabe Vincent, rookie standout Dalton Knecht, and a first-round draft pick to secure Gafford’s services. This steep price has raised eyebrows across the NBA, as it represents a significant overpay for a player who, while valuable, is not considered a star-level talent.
Gabe Vincent: A veteran guard with a $11 million expiring contract in 2025-26, Vincent provides salary-matching flexibility but has been inconsistent due to injuries, averaging just 3.1 points in limited minutes this season.
Dalton Knecht: The Lakers’ promising rookie, selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance with his scoring ability, averaging 9.2 points per game off the bench. Trading him would mean parting with a young, cost-controlled asset with significant upside.
First-Round Pick: The Lakers have limited draft capital after the Dončić trade, with only a 2031 first-round pick and possible pick swaps available. Including a first-rounder in the deal further escalates the cost, as it depletes L.A.’s already scarce future assets.
The Mavericks’ high asking price is likely influenced by the backlash they faced for the Dončić trade, which many criticized as lopsided in the Lakers’ favor. Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, but fans and analysts argued they should have demanded more for a generational talent like Dončić. As a result, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison may be looking to extract maximum value in any further dealings with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, especially given the optics of trading another key player to the same team so soon after the controversial Dončić deal.
Why the Price is Shocking the NBA
The proposed trade package has sparked widespread debate due to its perceived imbalance. While Gafford is a proven role player with a team-friendly $14.3 million contract for the 2025-26 season, he is not a transformative star on the level of Davis or Dončić. Trading a promising rookie like Knecht, a rotation player in Vincent, and a valuable first-round pick for a center who averages under 13 points per game is seen by many as an overpay. As Jovan Buha noted, “That’s a lot” for a player who, while ideal for the Lakers’ system, is far from a franchise-altering talent.
The NBA community is also questioning the optics of the Mavericks engaging in another trade with the Lakers so soon after the Dončić deal, which reportedly sparked protests among Dallas fans. With Dallas now boasting a surplus of big men—including Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington—the Mavericks can afford to move Gafford, especially as he enters the final year of his contract and seeks a lucrative extension. However, the steep asking price suggests Dallas is leveraging the Lakers’ desperation to maximize their return, potentially making up for the perceived shortcomings of the Dončić trade.
Gafford’s Fit with the Lakers
Despite the high cost, Gafford’s fit with the Lakers is undeniable. His prior experience playing alongside Dončić in Dallas, where he helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals, ensures seamless integration into L.A.’s pick-and-roll-heavy offense. Gafford’s 113 dunks in 57 games this season highlight his prowess as a lob threat, while his 1.8 blocks per game add much-needed rim protection. Pairing him with LeBron James and Dončić could create a devastating offensive trio, with Gafford’s athleticism opening up the floor for L.A.’s star playmakers.
However, Gafford’s recent knee injury, which may sideline him for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, adds a layer of risk to the trade. While his performance in the 2024 playoffs (9.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks on 63.4% shooting) underscored his reliability, the injury raises concerns about his long-term durability. The Lakers must weigh whether the immediate boost Gafford provides is worth parting with a promising young talent like Knecht and valuable draft capital.
The Bigger Picture
The Lakers’ pursuit of Gafford reflects their broader strategy to capitalize on the prime years of Dončić and James while addressing critical roster gaps. With James approaching his 41st birthday and Dončić in his prime at 26, the Lakers are in win-now mode, prioritizing immediate contention over long-term flexibility. However, the proposed trade cost has sparked debate about whether L.A. is overpaying for a complementary piece rather than holding out for a true star center like Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton, who is also reportedly on their radar.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are looking to reshape their roster around young talents like Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis, making Gafford expendable but valuable in trade negotiations. The high asking price could be a strategic move to recoup assets lost in the Dončić deal, but it risks alienating fans further if perceived as another concession to the Lakers.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Daniel Gafford underscores their determination to build a championship-caliber roster around Luka Dončić and LeBron James. However, the reported trade cost—Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick—has shocked the NBA due to its steepness for a non-star player. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Lakers are willing to meet Dallas’ demands or pivot to other targets like Nic Claxton or Jakob Poeltl. One thing is clear: the Lakers’ quest for a big man is reshaping the NBA trade landscape, and the price they’re willing to pay could redefine their future.