The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to enter the 2025 NBA Playoffs in a way that seemingly defies conventional wisdom. At a time when the center position seems to be experiencing a resurgence, Los Angeles has overcome a failed trade to thrive despite having questionable options at the position.
Thankfully, one of franchise player Luka Doncic's former teammates looks the part of the perfect offseason target to help fill the void.
The Lakers thought they had the issues at center addressed when they dealt for Mark Williams at the 2025 NBA trade deadline. Unfortunately, a failed physical triggered the decision to cancel the transaction and thus leave Los Angeles without a proven commodity at the 5-spot.
Jaxson Hayes has filled in admirably, but at 19.5 minutes per game and on an expiring contract, the need for offseason activity remains.
The good news for the Lakers is that they have trade assets and potential options in free agency. Los Angeles will enter the offseason under the first apron and could thus make signings to improve at the center position, potentially even utilizing the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
A trade option that the Lakers should seriously consider, however, would take them right back to the trade partner that gifted them Doncic—and directly to Daniel Gafford.
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford fits Lakers' needs at center
Gafford, 26, became the defensive anchor for Dallas during its run to the 2024 NBA Finals. He was equally as prolific on the offensive glass, creating second chances at virtual will and providing the Mavericks with the lob target Doncic had needed.
The results were tremendous, with Gafford averaging 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 offensive boards, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks in just 21.5 minutes per game with the Mavericks in 2023-24.
Gafford proved that's the exact type of production a team can expect from him in 2024-25. His numbers hardly varied, as he tallied averages of 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks in a matching 21.5 minutes per game.
For what it's worth: Gafford's cumulative averages with the Mavericks translate to 20.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.3 offensive boards, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks per 36 minutes.
Furthermore, opponents shot 14.5 percent worse within six feet of the basket when Gafford was the primary defender in 2024-25 and 5.9 percent worse in 2023-24. He's a proven rim protector who can block shots, redirect general efforts, and provide offensive value along the way.
The hurdle is that Gafford still has one season and $14,386,320 remaining on his contract—thus necessitating a trade.
Los Angeles has the contracts to make it work, but it would cost them a quality player. They'd likely need to give up either Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, who could be packaged with a smaller contract to get the deal over the finish line from a financial perspective.
It's unclear how eager the Mavericks would be to trade Gafford, but if the opportunity exists, the Lakers should reunite Doncic with his former lob target this offseason.