The Los Angeles Lakers are in win-now mode-again-and with the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, they’re eyeing upgrades that could sharpen their championship edge. One name gaining traction: Daniel Gafford.
Gafford, currently with the Mavericks, has a history of meshing well with Luka Dončić, and there's a belief that he could bring that same chemistry to Los Angeles. While Deandre Ayton has been solid, even exceeding expectations in stretches, there's still uncertainty about how his game translates when the lights get brightest.
Gafford, on the other hand, has proven he can hold his own on the postseason stage. He started all 22 playoff games during Dallas’ 2024 run to the NBA Finals-a run that solidified his reputation as a dependable rim protector and vertical threat.
For the Lakers, it’s about shoring up the five spot with consistency and playoff-ready depth. Pairing Gafford with Ayton would give them 48 minutes of quality center play-something that’s become essential in a Western Conference stacked with elite frontcourts. Gafford’s ability to defend the paint, block shots, and finish lobs would not only help balance the Lakers’ rotation, but also give Dončić a familiar pick-and-roll partner if the two were reunited in L.A.
And the Mavericks? They’re trending in the opposite direction.
A rough start to the season has already led to a front office shakeup, and they currently sit outside the Play-In picture. With the postseason slipping further away, Dallas is reportedly open for business-and Gafford is one of the names most likely to be moved, according to league insider Jake Fischer.
The Mavs' situation is clear: they’re sellers. Even if they manage to claw their way into the Play-In Tournament, it’s a steep climb.
They’d have to win back-to-back elimination games just to earn a first-round date with the Thunder, a team that’s clicking on all cylinders. And even if Kyrie Irving finds his best form, Oklahoma City is a tough out.
That’s the reality Dallas is facing, and it’s why they’re listening on veterans, including Gafford.
From the Lakers’ perspective, the timing is critical. Rich Paul has reportedly expressed skepticism about L.A.'s current title viability, and that kind of sentiment tends to spark action.
With limited trade assets-most notably, just one first-round pick they can realistically move-the front office has to be strategic. But if Gafford is available, he checks a lot of boxes.
He’s not just a plug-and-play big. He’s a playoff-tested defender who understands his role and thrives in it.
His numbers have dipped this season, but context matters. Dallas has lacked a true point guard to set the table, and Gafford’s game is heavily reliant on timing and positioning.
In Los Angeles, surrounded by playmakers like Dončić and LeBron James, he’d be in a much better position to succeed.
And don’t overlook the human side of this. Gafford has spoken openly about how surreal it was to play alongside Dončić, calling the experience “star-struck.” If there’s a chance to run it back in purple and gold-with the added benefit of competing for another Finals berth-it’s safe to say he’d be all in.
Of course, the Lakers still have other needs. A true 3-and-D wing remains high on the wish list. But adding a reliable, rim-running big like Gafford could be a foundational move-one that stabilizes the frontcourt and raises the team’s ceiling.
Trade talks are already heating up across the league, and the window between Dec. 15 and the deadline is when things tend to accelerate. For the Lakers, this might be the moment to strike. Gafford won’t come cheap-likely costing that lone tradeable first-rounder-but if the goal is to make a deep playoff run, it might be the kind of calculated risk that pays off.
Rob Pelinka has pulled off bold moves before. If the Lakers believe Gafford can be the missing piece, don’t be surprised if they go all-in once again.