The Los Angeles Lakers may be on the verge of making another major move to bolster their roster around superstar Luka Doncic . After an explosive start to the 2025-26 NBA season, Doncic has proven why he’s one of the league’s most dominant players, putting up video game-like numbers and keeping the Lakers firmly in playoff contention. Now, reports indicate that Los Angeles could look to reunite Doncic with one of his former Dallas Mavericks teammates - a player who once thrived alongside him as a reliable rim-running big man.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Lakers have expressed renewed interest in 6-foot-10 center Daniel Gafford , who currently plays for the Mavericks and was instrumental in helping Dallas reach the NBA Finals during the 2023-24 season. The move would not only strengthen the Lakers’ frontcourt but also give Doncic a familiar pick-and-roll partner with whom he already shares strong chemistry. With the trade deadline months away, the possibility of reuniting Doncic and Gafford in Los Angeles has quickly become one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.
Luka Doncic’s Dominant Season So Far
Despite missing a few early games due to injury, Luka Doncic has been nothing short of spectacular in his first season with the Lakers. The five-time All-Star is averaging an astounding 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, powering a Lakers squad that currently sits five games above .500.
Doncic’s chemistry with his teammates continues to evolve, but a reunion with a familiar face like Daniel Gafford could take Los Angeles to another level.
Daniel Gafford on the Los Angeles Lakers’ Radar
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Los Angeles Lakers have shown strong interest in trading for Daniel Gafford - a player they’ve been monitoring since last season. “Coincidentally enough, one of the teams with strong interest in Gafford dating back to last season is the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said. Could we see a reunion between Luka Doncic and Gafford in Los Angeles in February?” Siegel wrote. (H/t: Sporting News)
Siegel also noted that while Dallas isn’t rushing into trade mode, the franchise is being closely watched. “It is no secret that Harrison and the Mavericks’ front office will explore what return exists for Klay Thompson before the trade deadline, and several teams are monitoring Daniel Gafford’s status,” Siegel reported.
Gafford recently inked a three-year, $60 million contract extension this offseason but remains eligible for trade during the 2025-26 campaign.
Daniel Gafford’s Impact with the Mavericks
Since arriving in Dallas midway through the 2023-24 NBA season, Gafford has been a key contributor. His presence helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals, where his defense and finishing around the rim complemented Doncic’s playmaking perfectly.
Gafford’s 2023-24 Averages (with Dallas):
This season, Gafford has maintained solid production despite playing behind Dallas’ rising young center, Derek Lively.
Gafford’s 2025-26 Averages (current season):
Why Gafford Makes Sense for the Lakers
Reuniting Gafford with Doncic could give the Lakers a reliable rim protector and a consistent lob threat - something the team has lacked in its current rotation. Gafford’s athleticism and defensive instincts would also ease the workload on Anthony Davis, allowing the Lakers to stabilize their interior defense while strengthening their offensive pick-and-roll game.
Potential Benefits of a Gafford Trade:
• Enhances chemistry with Luka Doncic
• Adds elite rim protection and rebounding
• Boosts interior scoring efficiency
• Provides depth and durability at the center position
Mavericks’ Perspective
From Dallas’ side, the decision to trade Gafford won’t come easily. As Siegel noted, the Mavericks are “not operating in a panic mode” and remain cautious about parting ways with valuable assets. However, if the right offer arrives - especially one that helps balance their roster - the front office could consider moving Gafford before the trade deadline.
While no formal talks have been reported yet, the Lakers’ interest in Daniel Gafford underscores their commitment to surrounding Luka Doncic with talent he’s familiar with. Gafford’s combination of efficiency, athleticism, and defensive presence could make him the ideal midseason acquisition for a Lakers team looking to make a deep playoff push.
Also read: NBA trade rumors: Golden State Warriors could potentially re-sign $50 million Dallas Mavericks guard to support Stephen Curry and improve title odds
If Los Angeles can strike a deal, fans might soon see Doncic and Gafford reconnecting in purple and gold - reigniting one of Dallas’ most effective duos from their Finals run just a year ago.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Lakers have expressed renewed interest in 6-foot-10 center Daniel Gafford , who currently plays for the Mavericks and was instrumental in helping Dallas reach the NBA Finals during the 2023-24 season. The move would not only strengthen the Lakers’ frontcourt but also give Doncic a familiar pick-and-roll partner with whom he already shares strong chemistry. With the trade deadline months away, the possibility of reuniting Doncic and Gafford in Los Angeles has quickly become one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.
Luka Doncic’s Dominant Season So Far
Despite missing a few early games due to injury, Luka Doncic has been nothing short of spectacular in his first season with the Lakers. The five-time All-Star is averaging an astounding 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, powering a Lakers squad that currently sits five games above .500.
Doncic’s chemistry with his teammates continues to evolve, but a reunion with a familiar face like Daniel Gafford could take Los Angeles to another level.
Daniel Gafford on the Los Angeles Lakers’ Radar
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Los Angeles Lakers have shown strong interest in trading for Daniel Gafford - a player they’ve been monitoring since last season. “Coincidentally enough, one of the teams with strong interest in Gafford dating back to last season is the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said. Could we see a reunion between Luka Doncic and Gafford in Los Angeles in February?” Siegel wrote. (H/t: Sporting News)
Siegel also noted that while Dallas isn’t rushing into trade mode, the franchise is being closely watched. “It is no secret that Harrison and the Mavericks’ front office will explore what return exists for Klay Thompson before the trade deadline, and several teams are monitoring Daniel Gafford’s status,” Siegel reported.
Gafford recently inked a three-year, $60 million contract extension this offseason but remains eligible for trade during the 2025-26 campaign.
Daniel Gafford’s Impact with the Mavericks
Since arriving in Dallas midway through the 2023-24 NBA season, Gafford has been a key contributor. His presence helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals, where his defense and finishing around the rim complemented Doncic’s playmaking perfectly.
Gafford’s 2023-24 Averages (with Dallas):
This season, Gafford has maintained solid production despite playing behind Dallas’ rising young center, Derek Lively.
Gafford’s 2025-26 Averages (current season):
Why Gafford Makes Sense for the Lakers
Reuniting Gafford with Doncic could give the Lakers a reliable rim protector and a consistent lob threat - something the team has lacked in its current rotation. Gafford’s athleticism and defensive instincts would also ease the workload on Anthony Davis, allowing the Lakers to stabilize their interior defense while strengthening their offensive pick-and-roll game.
Potential Benefits of a Gafford Trade:
• Enhances chemistry with Luka Doncic
• Adds elite rim protection and rebounding
• Boosts interior scoring efficiency
• Provides depth and durability at the center position
Mavericks’ Perspective
From Dallas’ side, the decision to trade Gafford won’t come easily. As Siegel noted, the Mavericks are “not operating in a panic mode” and remain cautious about parting ways with valuable assets. However, if the right offer arrives - especially one that helps balance their roster - the front office could consider moving Gafford before the trade deadline.
While no formal talks have been reported yet, the Lakers’ interest in Daniel Gafford underscores their commitment to surrounding Luka Doncic with talent he’s familiar with. Gafford’s combination of efficiency, athleticism, and defensive presence could make him the ideal midseason acquisition for a Lakers team looking to make a deep playoff push.
Also read: NBA trade rumors: Golden State Warriors could potentially re-sign $50 million Dallas Mavericks guard to support Stephen Curry and improve title odds
If Los Angeles can strike a deal, fans might soon see Doncic and Gafford reconnecting in purple and gold - reigniting one of Dallas’ most effective duos from their Finals run just a year ago.
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