The Los Angeles Lakers have already been among the busiest teams of the NBA offseason, yet there is still a widespread belief that more work needs to be done before the 2026–27 campaign begins. While the franchise has added several new pieces to strengthen the roster, the frontcourt remains an area of concern, and that reality has kept Daniel Gafford firmly on the Lakers’ radar as trade discussions continue around the league.

The latest reports suggest that Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has been available throughout the summer, with the Mavericks now revealing the type of compensation they expect in any potential deal. For the Lakers, who are looking to maximize Luka Doncic’s strengths once again, the opportunity to reunite the Slovenian superstar with one of his most effective pick-and-roll partners could become increasingly attractive as the season approaches.

Daniel Gafford remains a key NBA offseason trade target

The Lakers entered the offseason knowing they needed to improve their size after losing several contributors from last season’s rotation. Although they have already added Walker Kessler and veteran Kevon Looney while also bringing in Sandro Mamukelashvili to provide additional frontcourt depth, league insiders continue to report that Los Angeles has not closed the door on making another move.

According to The Athletic‘s Dan Woike, the Lakers remain active in monitoring the market for big men, indicating that the organization could still pursue either a trade or another signing before training camp begins.

That makes Daniel Gafford one of the most intriguing names available.

NBA insider Brett Siegel recently stated that Gafford has been available throughout the offseason, suggesting Dallas has quietly entertained offers despite the center remaining under a long-term contract.

Those reports gained further momentum after NBA reporter Evan Sidery revealed the Mavericks’ asking price, indicating Dallas wants a protected first-round picks package as the foundation of any agreement involving the athletic center.

Daniel Gafford reunion with Luka Doncic makes basketball sense

One of the biggest reasons the Lakers continue to monitor Daniel Gafford is the chemistry he previously developed with Luka Doncic during their time together in Dallas.

Their partnership helped power the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance, with Gafford thriving as a rim-running center capable of finishing lob passes, protecting the basket and creating vertical spacing that complemented Doncic’s elite playmaking abilities.

Few centers in the league have demonstrated a better understanding of Doncic’s offensive rhythm, making the prospect of a reunion particularly appealing.

Instead of spending months building on-court chemistry, both players would already understand each other’s tendencies, allowing the Lakers to integrate Gafford into their offense much more quickly than another acquisition.

That familiarity could become especially valuable for a Lakers team hoping to compete immediately in a loaded Western Conference.

Mavericks have placed a clear value on Daniel Gafford

While Dallas appears willing to discuss offers, the Mavericks are not expected to move Daniel Gafford cheaply.

Sidery reported that the franchise’s current asking price is a protected first-round draft pick, reflecting both Gafford’s production and his long-term contract security.

The center remains under contract through 2029 on a deal worth approximately $54 million, averaging around $18.1 million annually. That team-friendly salary enhances his value because it gives acquiring teams cost certainty while avoiding the escalating financial burden associated with many starting-caliber centers.

Dallas also has considerable depth in the frontcourt, with Dereck Lively II expected to continue his development while Morez Johnson Jr. and Moussa Cissé provide additional options. That depth explains why the Mavericks may feel comfortable listening to offers despite Gafford’s importance over recent seasons.

Lakers must weigh the cost of another NBA offseason trade

Although Daniel Gafford fits what the Lakers need, acquiring him would almost certainly require meaningful sacrifices.

The Mavericks’ demand for protected first-round picks represents a significant investment for Los Angeles, particularly after the franchise has already used valuable draft assets in previous roster moves.

Beyond the draft compensation, the Lakers would also need to match salaries to absorb Gafford’s contract, meaning several current players could be included in any proposed package.

That balancing act makes negotiations more complicated because Los Angeles must improve its roster without sacrificing too much long-term flexibility.

Even so, frontcourt upgrades remain one of the team’s highest priorities, and Gafford’s proven production could justify the cost if the Lakers believe he significantly raises their championship ceiling.

Could P.J. Washington also enter the conversation?

Interestingly, Daniel Gafford is not the only Mavericks player linked with Los Angeles this offseason.

Reports have also connected the Lakers with forward P.J. Washington, whose versatility would help address another positional need.

While Washington offers valuable floor spacing and defensive flexibility, many analysts believe center remains the more pressing concern for Los Angeles, particularly against the elite frontcourts scattered throughout the Western Conference.

That reality keeps Gafford at the forefront of the Lakers’ trade discussions, especially given his previous success playing alongside Doncic.

What happens next?

The NBA offseason trade market has slowed compared to the frenzy that followed free agency, but several significant moves could still materialize before opening night.

The Lakers continue evaluating available centers while the Mavericks appear willing to negotiate if their valuation is met.

Whether Los Angeles ultimately parts with valuable first-round picks remains uncertain, but the latest reports make one thing increasingly clear. Daniel Gafford is available, Dallas has established its asking price, and the possibility of reuniting him with Luka Doncic has become one of the more intriguing storylines still unfolding this offseason.

If both franchises find common ground, the Lakers could solve one of their biggest roster concerns while restoring a partnership that previously proved highly effective on one of the NBA’s biggest stages.