It's a statement that Los Angeles Lakers fans are likely equally as enthusiastic about as they are tired of hearing: Rob Pelinka is searching for an upgrade at center. Rooted in a years-long request by Anthony Davis, the Lakers are hoping to improve in a key area of need.
All eyes have been on Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, but there may be a less obvious choice to consider: Dallas Mavericks rim protector Daniel Gafford.
The Gafford sweepstakes could prove costly, as the 26-year-old has raised his profile since helping Dallas reach the 2024 NBA Finals. It's a remarkable story of how quickly a career narrative can evolve with a simple change of scenery.
According to Christian Clark of The Athletic, Gafford could soon change home cities again, as the Mavericks are reportedly open to trading him in 2024.
"The Mavericks, as The Athletic reported earlier this month, have expressed interest in conversations with rival teams about acquiring an impact perimeter defender. Dallas, according to front-office sources with other teams, has dangled Gafford in those discussions."
Less than a year after Gafford was wasting away on the lowly Wizards, he's now become one of the most intriguing trade options on the open market.
Lakers have what the Mavericks want in a trade for Daniel Gafford
The Lakers suddenly have a unique opportunity to land the perfect player to complement Davis. At $13,394,160 owed in 2024-25 and $14,386,320 for the 2025-26 campaign, Gafford is a reasonably priced player whose salary aligns with a wing defender Los Angeles could entice Dallas with.
At $10,714,286 owed in 2024-25, Jarred Vanderbilt has the salary and defensive prowess to function as an ideal cornerstone of a potential Gafford trade.
The Lakers would need to include at least one additional salary, and would likely be asked to include draft compensation. The Mavericks gave up a first-round draft pick to acquire Gafford and may be interested in recouping a first-rounder to ship him out.
The price has also likely increased since it was revealed that Mavericks defensive ace Dereck Lively II could miss the rest of the regular season with an ankle fracture.
The reason the Lakers should still kick the tires on a Gafford trade, however, is that he's an all but perfect fit for their rotation. He's one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA, as well as a productive rebounder who can create second chances and make plays above the rim.
Thus far in 2024-25, Gafford is averaging 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 offensive boards, 1.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks in just 20.6 minutes per game.
While Los Angeles ranks 25th in offensive rebounding percentage, Gafford ranks 18th individually in the same statistic among players who have appeared in at least 20 games. On the other end of the floor, the Lakers are 28th in points allowed in the paint.
Gafford, meanwhile, is forcing opponents to shoot 13.9 percent worse from within six feet when he's the primary defender.
A Davis and Gafford duo would afford the Lakers an opportunity to maximize their defensive potential. Gafford would act as the rim protector Los Angeles lacks beyond Davis, which would enable the five-time All-Defense honoree to thrive in his multifaceted role with a security blanket behind and alongside him.
The Lakers must measure the cost of doing business against the value they'd be receiving, but Gafford could be the dream target they've been searching for.