Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (left) reacts with Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (right) after the game at Crypto.com Arena (Image via Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images) The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring a bold three-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks that would reunite Luka Dončić with his former lob partner Daniel Gafford. The move comes at a crucial time, with Dončić pressing the Lakers’ front office to accelerate their championship timeline and LeBron James still eyeing one last ring.
How the trade works
The proposed deal involves the Los Angeles Lakers sending assets to both Dallas and Brooklyn in exchange for Gafford and Haywood Highsmith. Here’s the trade framework:TeamIncomingOutgoing Lakers Daniel Gafford, Haywood Highsmith Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick, 2026 first-round swap Mavericks Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick, 2026 first-round swap Daniel Gafford Nets Dalton Knecht, second-round pick Haywood Highsmith
How all parties involved benefit
Los Angeles Lakers
• Gain Gafford, a proven pick-and-roll partner for Dončić. • Add defensive depth with Highsmith. • Improve center rotation while still keeping most of their future draft assets.
Dallas Mavericks
• Acquire valuable draft capital, including a 2031 first-rounder and 2026 swap. • Add Gabe Vincent as a temporary playmaker to cover for Kyrie Irving’s injury. • Clear their logjam at the center position.
Brooklyn Nets
Hawks vs Nets (Image via Imagn)
• Land promising rookie Dalton Knecht to fit their rebuild timeline. • Add a second-round pick while flipping Highsmith, a player they initially acquired at no cost.
Pros and cons of the trade
Pros • Lakers reunite Dončić with a familiar big man. • Mavericks add draft flexibility and veteran guard depth. • Nets continue their youth-focused rebuild. • Each team addresses immediate needs without overcommitting.Cons • Lakers give up a key young shooter in Dalton Knecht. • Mavericks lose Gafford, who provided rim protection and rebounding. • Nets take on a rookie with no NBA experience yet, which carries uncertainty.
Stat tables and demographics
Daniel Gafford (2024–25 with Mavericks)
StatValue PPG 11.2 RPG 7.4 BPG 1.8 FG% 68.9 *Age: 26 Height: 6’10”
Luka Dončić (2024–25 with Lakers)
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty)
StatValue PPG 33.1 APG 9.7 RPG 8.5 Usage Rate 37.8% *Age: 26 Height: 6’7”
Haywood Highsmith (2024–25 with Nets/Heat)
StatValue PPG 6.1 RPG 3.2 3PT% 36.5 *Age: 27 Height: 6’7”These numbers show why Gafford is valuable next to Dončić. His elite finishing efficiency and rim protection balance Dončić’s high-usage offensive role. Highsmith’s defense adds depth at the wing, an area the Lakers struggled with during their first-round exit last season.
Who wins overall?
From a purely basketball perspective, the Los Angeles Lakers win the most. They immediately strengthen their roster with a proven center and defensive wing, both of whom fit alongside their stars. Dallas benefits with picks and a stopgap guard, but they lose a key rotation big. Brooklyn earns value for a role player but is essentially betting on Knecht’s development.As Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts explained: “The Los Angeles Lakers want a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Dončić, and Daniel Gafford is a strong long-term option. The 26-year-old has already proven he can thrive next to the Lakers star, and he’s right in the middle of his prime. Los Angeles has limited draft capital to trade, but this is a win-win. The Lakers get the defensive-minded wing they need, plus a trusted center.”Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Could Bag $239.9 Million Memphis Grizzlies Superstar Amid Jonathan Kuminga Contract TroublesThe Los Angeles Lakers are determined to avoid wasting Dončić’s prime and LeBron’s final championship window. This trade aligns with both goals, making it a realistic move that could change the balance of power in the West. If completed, Los Angeles walks away with the biggest upgrade, while Dallas and Brooklyn improve their futures.