The Los Angeles Lakers continue searching for a long-term answer at center after several potential targets came off the board, and one NBA insider believes a trade with the Dallas Mavericks could provide a solution while reuniting Luka Doncic with a familiar teammate.
The Lakers have already seen multiple frontcourt options disappear this offseason. Isaiah Stewart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, Naz Reid landed with the Charlotte Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball deal, and Nic Claxton was dealt to the Chicago Bulls.
That has shifted attention toward Dallas, where recent roster moves could create a surplus in the frontcourt.
Speaking on the latest episode of Clutch Scoops, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel discussed the Mavericks’ decision to draft Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick after reportedly declining trade discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans.
According to Siegel, the selection raises questions about Dallas’ long-term plans for its frontcourt.
“Dallas ultimately took Morez Johnson Jr., which leads to some conversations there about what does Daniel Gafford’s future look like and what does PJ Washington’s future look like because now you got a crammed frontcourt,” Siegel said.
“Are you going to play all these guys? How’s this going to work? Are you just going to run out a bunch of big guys and Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving out there?”
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Siegel then connected the situation directly to the Lakers.
“Maybe that’s where the Lakers solve their big man problem,” he said.
“Maybe they’re a team that gets Daniel Gafford especially given his relationship with Luka Doncic dating back to his time in Dallas.”
Daniel Gafford emerges as intriguing Lakers trade possibility after Mavericks’ draft
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Gafford emerged as one of Doncic’s favorite pick-and-roll partners after joining the Mavericks during the 2024 season. His rim-running ability, rebounding and interior defense helped Dallas reach the NBA Finals, making him a natural fit alongside the All-NBA guard.
The possibility of another trade between the Lakers and Mavericks would have seemed unlikely following the blockbuster February 2025 deal that sent Doncic to Los Angeles. That move created significant backlash in Dallas and dramatically reshaped both franchises.
However, the two organizations demonstrated Wednesday night that they remain willing to conduct business.
During the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Lakers traded the draft rights to No. 56 overall pick Vsevolod Ishchenko to the Mavericks in exchange for cash considerations.
While that transaction was relatively minor, it reinforced that communication between the franchises remains open despite the controversy surrounding the Doncic trade.
Whether Dallas ultimately makes Gafford available remains unclear. The Mavericks could elect to keep their frontcourt intact despite adding Johnson, particularly if they view the rookie as a long-term developmental piece.
Still, with the Lakers expected to aggressively pursue a starting-caliber center this offseason, Gafford’s familiarity with Doncic and Dallas’ evolving roster construction could make him one of the more intriguing trade possibilities to monitor in the weeks ahead.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue searching for a long-term answer at center after several potential targets came off the board, and one NBA insider believes a trade with the Dallas Mavericks could provide a solution while reuniting Luka Doncic with a familiar teammate. The Lakers have already seen multiple frontcourt options disappear this offseason.