The perfect Lakers trade offer for Daniel Gafford
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of an interesting season. They are firmly the sixth seed and have had an up-and-down season to this point.
Anyone who has watched this team, however, could quickly tell you that it is still missing a key piece. The missing link, in this case, is a secondary big man to Anthony Davis.
Saturday morning, another big man was thrust into the list of available centers, and it was certainly shocking to many NBA fans.
According to Christian Clark of The Athletic, “The Mavericks have expressed interest in conversations with rival teams about acquiring an impact perimeter defender.” The player that they’ve brought up sending out in those conversations is center Daniel Gafford.
REPORT: The Mavericks have made Daniel Gafford available in trade talks, per @cclark_13 pic.twitter.com/bQygNiziP5
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 18, 2025
Gafford was a player who was on many Lakers fans’ wish lists while playing in Washington. Last season, he was traded from Washington to Dallas, where he became an integral part of their run to the finals. Adding a player like Gafford would severely alter the Lakers’ potential.
Who is Daniel Gafford
The 26-year-old Gafford is an electric big man who is just entering the prime of his career. Gafford comes in at 6’10, 265 lbs, and has the athleticism to make himself a problem on the low block. His blend of size and bounce makes him the most intriguing big prospect on the board for Los Angeles.
DANIEL GAFFORD THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!
He made his first 12 SHOTS tonight 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0zcHda92Wu
— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2025
In his 8th season in the league, Gafford is averaging 11.7 ppg, 6 RPG, and 1.4 bpg for the Mavericks.
Lakers’ perfect trade
Lakers Receive: Daniel Gafford
Mavericks Receive: Davion Mitchell, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2029 first-round pick (via LAL)
Raptors Receive: Gabe Vincent, 2nd rounder (via LAL)
In Christian Clark’s article, he mentioned that Dallas would part ways with Gafford if they were able to get an impact perimeter defender in return. Honestly, the Lakers do not have a perimeter defender that is equal in value to what Gafford would provide, so a third team would likely be necessary.
In this scenario, we would see the 3&D guard Davion Mitchell from Toronto head to Dallas to fill the role. While not filling up the box score every night, Mitchell would provide that punch on the perimeter Dallas is looking for.
Los Angeles would essentially help fill gaps left behind by this trade. Dallas would be sending out Gafford. Los Angeles will fill that vacancy with another center in Hayes. Would Toronto then be in need of a 3&D guard?
They can have Gabe Vincent, who has been playing great lately. This trade would enhance both teams with championship aspirations, and through a draft pick, Toronto is able to keep building its future.
Gafford’s fit with the Lakers
Anthony Davis has been having another fantastic season, so there is no need for a superstar to come in and lead the way. All that is needed from a player like Gafford is helping in the margins.
When Anthony Davis heads to the bench, Gafford is more capable than anyone currently on the roster to provide meaningful minutes. His frame at 6’10, paired with the re-emergence of AD’s three-point shot, also means that they would be able to share the court together successfully.
Gafford would easily be the best center Anthony Davis has played with to this point in his Lakers tenure. His ability to send shots back and hammer in dunks around the rim would help him fit right into the Showtime culture.
