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General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media during a press conference.
While Daniel Gafford remains a more realistic and affordable trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers than the dream scenario of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, the emerging market for the Dallas Mavericks center could escalate the cost of any potential deal.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers are not alone in pursuing Gafford, whose skill set aligns directly with the frontcourt needs of a team built around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Pacers Expected to Enter Bidding War for Gafford
GettyDaniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks is drawing trade interest from two teams, including the Lakers.
Fischer reported Tuesday that the Indiana Pacers, in the wake of losing Myles Turner, are expected to pursue Gafford as well.
“Indiana is expected to shop the in-season trade market for big men and likewise believed to hold interest in Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as a potential pick-and-roll lob threat,” Fischer wrote for The Stein Line.
With All-Star Tyrese Haliburton recovering from an Achilles injury, Gafford would offer Indiana immediate rim pressure and long-term pick-and-roll synergy once Haliburton returns.
This creates a potential bidding war that disadvantages the Lakers, who possess limited draft flexibility compared to Indiana. The Pacers currently control their own first-round picks from 2026 through 2032, while the Lakers can offer just one in-season first-rounder, with full draft flexibility not unlocking until summer.
Why Gafford Has Become a Top Lakers Priority
Gafford has quietly developed into one of the league’s most efficient interior defenders and finishers, averaging 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 61% shooting in mostly a reserve role.
His ability to run the floor, protect the rim, and finish above the basket makes him a natural fit beside Dončić, whom he played with during Dallas’ Finals run.
“The Lakers are still undoubtedly going to be looking for long-term pick-and-roll lob threat pairings for Luka Dončić,” Fischer said on Bleacher Report’s Insider Notebook in November, adding that Gafford provides exactly that dynamic.
Financially, the move is feasible. Gafford’s three-year, $54 million extension was structured with trade flexibility built in, avoiding the six-month restriction that would block a midseason move.
Plan B for Lakers: A Turner Pivot if Gafford Slips Away
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner could be traded if the Milwaukee Bucks‘ season continues to spiral. Will the Lakers get one of them?
If the Pacers outbid Los Angeles for Gafford, the Lakers may pivot toward Turner, whom Fischer notes could become available if Milwaukee faces pressure to field offers tied to Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future.
“Various teams are expected to show interest in pouncing on the Bucks’ veterans like Turner should they decide to field trade offers,” Fischer wrote.
Turner — unlike Gafford — is not a traditional lob threat. Instead, he brings floor spacing and rim protection, shooting 39.2% from three this season while averaging 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks.
The Lakers already feature former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton as their starting center, but Turner has demonstrated he can excel beside another big, thriving with Domantas Sabonis in Indiana before and now alongside Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
Trade Outlook: Lakers Have Paths — But Not Leverage
The Lakers can match salary using Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent in trade construction, but Fischer maintains Los Angeles will only commit draft capital if the value is unmistakable.
As the market grows and more teams circle, the Lakers now face a dilemma: pay up early for Gafford, pivot to Turner — a stylistically different fit if an Antetokounmpo trade forces the Bucks to rebuild or wait for the summer, when more assets and flexibility open.
For a franchise operating under a tight timeline around Dončić and LeBron James, the question becomes, can Los Angeles afford to wait — or will someone else seize the moment?
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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