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
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Luka Doncic Shares True Feelings on LeBron James’ Imminent Comeback After Jason Whitlock’s Explosive Accusation
Luka Doncic led the LA Lakers to a 121-111 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Despite LeBron James missing his 11th straight game, the Purple and Gold continued their strong run, improving their record to 8-3. Much of the Lakers’ success has come courtesy of scintillating performances from Doncic and Austin Reaves while James remains sidelined.
The four-time NBA champion is inching closer to making his highly anticipated comeback. When asked about James’ imminent return, Doncic expressed his excitement and shared his true feelings about having the veteran forward back in the lineup.
“We can’t wait,” Doncic told reporters after Monday’s win. “All of us can’t wait. It’s Bron, so it’s always good to have him back. Hopefully soon.”
Doncic’s honest admission on James’ expected return comes less than a week after veteran analyst Jason Whitlock made an explosive accusation against the Lakers’ point guard. Whitlock recently claimed that Doncic “doesn’t want” James back on the team, a remark that sparked considerable debate.
Meanwhile, LeBron James is scheduled to practice with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, later this week. The four-time league MVP has been cleared for 5-on-5 practice after developing a sciatica injury during training camp. However, James has yet to practice with the Lakers’ main roster and isn’t accompanying the team on their current five-game road trip.
There is no official timeline for James’ return, but optimism is growing that he will rejoin the team this month. The Lakers’ next home game is on November 18, followed by a four-game homestand starting November 25.
### Lakers Fans React to Luka Doncic’s Comments on LeBron James
Social media buzzed soon after Luka Doncic shared his thoughts on LeBron James’ imminent comeback. Lakers fans expressed candid reactions and quickly defended Doncic, slamming critics who have repeatedly accused him of not wanting James back in the lineup.
One fan commented, “[Insert fan quote],” while another added, “[Insert fan quote].” The supportive response online highlights the strong bond between Doncic, James, and the Lakers fanbase.
### Coaching and Team Outlook
In James’ absence, coach JJ Redick has expertly maximized his roster, guiding the Lakers to fourth place in the highly competitive Western Conference standings. All eyes will be on how the Purple and Gold’s chemistry pans out once James finally makes his return.
As the Lakers gear up for the remainder of the season, fans remain hopeful that the combination of Doncic, James, and the rest of the squad will bring championship contention back to Los Angeles.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-luka-doncic-shares-true-feelings-lebron-james-imminent-comeback-after-jason-whitlock-s-explosive-accusation
Lakers’ Austin Reaves drops the mic with perfect reaction to 51-point stunner
The Los Angeles Lakers were coming off a huge win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, highlighted by Luka Doncic’s stellar start to the season. Doncic followed up his 43-point effort on opening night with a 49-point masterpiece in a 128-110 victory. However, during that contest, Doncic suffered multiple injuries that will sideline him for at least a week, putting the already shorthanded Lakers in an even tougher position.
But on Sunday night, Austin Reaves took it upon himself to carry the Lakers as he inched closer to superstardom. Even though the Lakers were missing both Doncic and LeBron James, with the latter still recovering from nerve problems in his back, Reaves ensured that the Purple and Gold stayed on the winning track.
Reaves put up a bonkers career-high 51 points in a 127-120 win over division rival Sacramento Kings. He left Sacramento’s defense helpless at every turn, showcasing his emergence as a full-blown superstar. This performance is the latest piece of evidence pointing toward that fact.
While the Kings may not be the toughest opposition, going on the road and scoring 51 points—dismantling defenders like Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook—is a mark of a player who has truly taken the leap. And what better way for the Lakers to cap off Reaves’ career night than with a huge win.
“All that matters is that we won,” Reaves said with a huge smile during his postgame interview with Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet. “We got another tough one tomorrow night. Quick turnaround. We’ll be right back at it.” (Fast forward to 1:20.)
Reaves became just the fifth player in a Lakers uniform to score over 50 points since the turn of the century, joining legends LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Anthony Davis—a feat he doesn’t take lightly.
“I don’t deserve all that. I grew up watching all those guys. I ain’t got no words,” Reaves added humbly.
### Austin Reaves Completes Leap to Superstardom for the Lakers
Reaves began his career as a Laker back in Summer League, impressing coaches with his hustle and ability to be a “glue guy” on offense. But he has since blossomed into a major force all on his own. If he continues this kind of incredible play, he might be in line for his first All-Star season.
Of course, it will be impossible for him to score 50 points every night. But the Lakers will need him to continue stepping up in a similar fashion as they await the return of both Doncic and James.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-austin-reaves-drops-the-mic-with-perfect-reaction-to-51-point-stunner