The Lakers know exactly what held them back in the playoffs and they’re going straight after it.
After a frustrating 1-4 first-round exit against the Timberwolves, the front office is shifting gears. The message is clear: they need a true center. With LeBron, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves holding down the perimeter, LA is missing a physical inside presence. And Daniel Gafford is suddenly back on their radar.
Reuniting Luka and Gafford?
Originally viewed as untouchable, Gafford, who played last season with Doncic in Dallas, may now be available. The 6’10” big man has one year left on his deal ($14.3M), and talks around an extension with the Mavs have stalled. Gafford reportedly wants a raise. Dallas? Not so sure.
With Dereck Lively II also on their roster and the No. 1 pick in the draft (projected to be Cooper Flagg), the Mavs are considering moving Gafford while they still can.
What’s the Price?
According to reports, the Lakers could offer a package featuring Gabe Vincent (28) and rookie Dalton Knecht (24) to get the deal done. For Dallas, who badly need a point guard while Kyrie Irving remains out until at least January, that offer might make sense.
But LA isn’t putting all their chips on one player.
Other Targets: Claxton, Robinson, Zikarsky?
If the Gafford deal stalls, the Lakers have backup plans:
- Nic Claxton (Nets): Elite defender, alley-oop finisher, and only 25, but matching his $25.3M salary would cost LA real assets, including Jarred Vanderbilt and draft picks.
- Mitchell Robinson (Knicks): Cheaper and still solid defensively, but his injury history and rebounding inconsistency raise red flags.
- Rocco Zikarsky (Australia): A 7’2″, 18-year-old project center that LA could target with their 55th pick in the 2025 Draft. High ceiling, but not a short-term solution.
The Bottom Line
The Lakers’ offseason plan is taking shape and it starts in the paint. Whether it’s Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, or a longshot like Zikarsky, LA knows one thing:
If they want to compete in the West, they can’t keep getting pushed around inside.