Lakers Eyeing Mavericks' Daniel Gafford as Offseason Trade Target

The 27-year-old center could be a perfect lob threat for LeBron James and the Lakers' offense.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to a report from ESPN's Kevin Pelton, the Los Angeles Lakers could target Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford in a trade this offseason. Gafford, a 6-foot-10 rim-running big man, has played well alongside Mavericks star Luka Doncic and could provide a similar lob threat for LeBron James and the Lakers.

Why it matters

The Lakers are looking to retool their roster after missing the playoffs in 2023, and adding a young, athletic center like Gafford could help bolster their frontcourt and provide a strong complement to their superstar duo of James and Anthony Davis.

The details

Gafford is averaging 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 63.4% from the field for the Mavericks this season. He's known for his ability to run the floor in transition, finish lobs, and protect the rim, which could make him an ideal fit alongside the Lakers' playmakers.

  • The Lakers did not complete a trade for Gafford prior to the 2023 trade deadline.
  • Gafford could be a realistic trade target for the Lakers this upcoming offseason.

The players

Daniel Gafford

A 27-year-old center for the Dallas Mavericks who has emerged as a strong rim-running and shot-blocking big man.

LeBron James

The superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who could benefit from having a lob threat like Gafford on the roster.

Anthony Davis

The Lakers' other superstar big man who could form a formidable frontcourt duo with Gafford if the team is able to acquire him.

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What they’re saying

“Between missing the playoffs in 2023 and winning the West a year later, Dallas drafted a rim-running center in Dereck Lively II and acquired another via trade in Daniel Gafford. The Mavericks also found two defensive-minded forwards in Derrick Jones Jr. (free agency) and P.J. Washington (trade), who also provided enough shooting to space the floor. If Dallas is willing to do business with the Lakers again after firing its general manager who made the Doncic trade (Nico Harrison), Gafford and Washington would be sensible trade targets this summer.”

— Kevin Pelton, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lakers will likely explore trade options for Gafford and other frontcourt players this offseason as they look to retool their roster and build a contender around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The takeaway

The Lakers' interest in Gafford highlights their need for a young, athletic big man who can complement their superstar duo and provide a lob threat in the pick-and-roll. If the Mavericks are open to dealing Gafford, he could be a valuable addition for the Lakers as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season.