ESPN reunites Luka Doncic with ex-Mavericks teammate in game-changing trade

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers, similar to last offseason, need an upgrade in the frontcourt if they want to become a contending team in the Western Conference. One name that has routinely been linked to the Lakers via trade is Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford.

Daniel Gafford played alongside the Luka Doncic with the Mavericks, and ESPN insider Bobby Marks suggests the Lakers should pursue him in a potential trade this offseason to help upgrade their frontcourt rotation.

Marks suggests that a deal involving Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and the Lakers’ 2026 first round pick would be a suitable deal for the Mavericks. His reasoning for the team giving up this year’s pick is that Gafford will help them quicker than whatever rookie they select.

It’s true that the last time Doncic and Gafford were healthy and played together, the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals. Gafford has dealt with injury issues the past couple of seasons, and last year he appeared in a total of 55 games, including 44 starts at a little over 21 minutes per game.

He averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.3 blocked shots with splits of 65.5 percent shooting from the field and 68.3 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

While Gafford did thrive playing alongside Doncic, it’s actually debatable if he would truly be an upgrade over Deandre Ayton. That’s not to mention the potential optics of the Mavericks trading with the Lakers again. Obviously it’s a new front office, but those things do still make a difference.

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