Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers are fresh off of another win, this time defeating the rival Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night by a final score of 135-118. With the win, the Lakers improved to 13-4 on the season. So far this season, Los Angeles has looked the part of a potential NBA Finals contender. Led by an impressive start to the year by Doncic, the Lakers are once again being viewed as a team who could look to improve ahead of the trade deadline. There are a few potential issues that Los Angeles could look to fix. One of those issues comes behind Deandre Ayton at the center position. Read more: Boston Celtics Linked to Major Trade for $97 Million Big Man If something were to happen to Ayton, the Lakers are a bit thin at the center position. Should the right trade opportunity open to acquire a better backup behind Ayton, Los Angeles should consider pursuing it. With that in mind, an intriguing potential trade scenario has been suggested for the Lakers. Bleacher Report analyst Zach Buckley has come up with a trade idea that would bring in one of Doncic’s former teammates in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. That former teammate is none other than big man Daniel Gafford. In his suggested deal, Los Angeles would trade Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and a 2031 first-round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for veteran center Daniel Gafford. “If the Lakers are going to dip into their limited draft-pick collection, they’d need to feel confident about seeing a return on that investment,” Buckley wrote. “And they absolutely would with Gafford, who’s already handled a starting gig on a previous NBA Finals run steered by Luka Doncic. Gafford’s low-maintenance, rim-running style would be perfect for the Purple and Gold. Deandre Ayton has had his moments in L. A., but he’s less than an ideal stylistic fit.” Not only would Gafford be a pickup for this season, but he still has three years left on his deal. Gafford could be the future at center and has an already proven fit with Doncic. Read more: Lakers Share Historic Luka Doncic News Before Clippers Game This year in Dallas, Gafford has played in 13 game and made 12 starts with the Mavericks, averaging 24 minutes per game. He has averaged 9. 8 points, 6. 7 rebounds, 1. 6 blocks, 1. 5 assists, and 0. 9 steals, while shooting 61. 5 percent from the floor. At just 27 years old, Gafford is still young enough to be a part of the build for the future. The Lakers would be wise to look into him if Dallas does make him available on the trade market. Of course, this is just an idea at this point in time. No reports have come out connecting Los Angeles and the Mavericks to more trade discussions.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers-could-trade-daniel-gafford-luka-doncic-11115913