The Los Angeles Lakers want to build their roster around Luka Doncic in the offseason, and there is no better big man to target than Daniel Gafford. Mavs expert Noah Weber doesn’t see Gafford back in Dallas. The big man formed a dynamic duo with Doncic that pushed the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024. They had fantastic chemistry in the pick-and-roll, and Gafford checks all the boxes Luka wants in a big man.
The Lakers fleeced Dallas in the Luka trade, so the Mavericks won’t be eager to trade with LA. Still, the Mavs have to do what is best for their organization. Gafford had a down year and is just starting a three-year extension worth $54.3 million. His trade market won’t be massive, and the Lakers could easily have the best offer.
Gafford is a rim protector, lob threat, rebounder, and screen setter. He is willing to do the dirty work and never commands the ball. The 6’10 big man averaged just 9.5 points per game this season, but that would certainly increase if he reunites with Luka.
Daniel Gafford is the ideal center to pair with Luka Doncic
The Mavs went 33-15 when Luka and Gafford played together in the regular season and had shocking playoff success. The big man had a 0.257 win shares per 48 minutes after being traded from Washington to Dallas in 2024. The next season it was 0.232.
Only four players were better than 0.225 this year. Playing with Luka makes Gafford an elite option. We aren’t just talking about big men here. Gafford is near the top of the NBA when paired with the Lakers' superstar.
Luka led the league in scoring for the second time in three years and was in the hunt for MVP before a devastating late-season hamstring injury. The Lakers won’t have number 77 for their first-round playoff matchup, but they drew the ideal opponent. If the Lakers can pull the upset, Doncic should be ready to return for round two.
The Mavs' season is over, and several players will be gone. Dallas is building around Cooper Flagg and must improve their roster accordingly. They can’t have Dereck Lively II, PJ Washington, Gafford, and Flagg all playing starter’s minutes in the frontcourt. The Mavericks must clear the logjam, and getting rid of Gafford seems like the easiest choice.
The Lakers have questions at the five. Jaxson Hayes is a strong backup, but LA must upgrade over Deandre Ayton. DA is never going to be a rim roller and lob target. He struggles to protect the rim, and his effort is inconsistent. The Lakers could clear up those issues by going with Gafford and Hayes at the five next season.
Even Mavericks experts think Daniel Gafford will be traded. His track record of success with Luka Doncic should have the Los Angeles Lakers trying to land the big man. Gafford's had a bad year and is just starting a new contract, which could keep the bidding down. LA would love to waltz in and get the ideal big man next to Luka on the cheap. Do not rule it out.