The Los Angeles Lakers are turning their focus to improving their frontcourt this offseason, with a particular interest in Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. His previous partnership with Luka Doncic makes him an enticing prospect for the Lakers. As the Mavericks gear up for the 2025-26 season, they are likely to have a tight frontcourt with Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Dereck Lively II also in the mix.

However, the Mavericks might be hesitant to trade Gafford to the Lakers, especially after facing backlash for previously sending Doncic to LA. Jovan Buha from The Athletic theorizes that the Lakers might need to offer more than they would prefer, potentially involving Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick, which would strain their already limited assets. Despite Gafford's non-star status, his solid stats of 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game during the last season could make him an appealing addition for a Lakers team looking to maximize the remaining championship window of LeBron James.