Lakers Could Take Advantage of West Rival Cap Problems to Land Center

The Los Angeles Lakers could be poised to make another trade with the Dallas Mavericks; this time, a big man will be headed to Los Angeles instead of Dallas.

The Lakers and Mavs recently completed a blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic, Markieff Morris, and Maxi Kleber to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick.

The trade is widely considered one of the most consequential deals in NBA history and has placed immense pressure on Mavs general manager Nico Harrison after trading away Dallas' beloved player, Luka Doncic.

Since the Lakers traded away Davis, the team was left with a significant need at the center position. The team's depth at the big-man position was already stretched while Davis was on the roster, and it diminished even further after the deal.

More news: Lakers Could Make Major Trade Swing on Joel Embiid: Report

The absence of inside presence ultimately cost the Lakers in the playoffs, as they struggled to rebound and impose their physicality against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Heading into the off-season, the Lakers will target at least one starting-quality center, and potentially even two.

Daniel Gafford wants starting center money which could lead to a trade

"Dereck Lively is a year away from getting an extension, Daniel Gafford is entering the final year of his contract, Gafford reasonably and rightly wants to get starting center money," MacMahon explained.… pic.twitter.com/CSJ6GTrIRq
— Playoff LAL (@PlayoffLAL) May 10, 2025

Dallas now finds itself with a surplus at the big man position, which could lead them to consider trading Daniel Gafford.

More Lakers: Lakers' Luka Doncic Future Plans in LA Revealed: Report

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, between Dereck Lively and Gafford, it is the latter that could end up being traded due to salary cap restrictions.

"Dereck Lively is a year away from getting an extension, Daniel Gafford is entering the final year of his contract, Gafford reasonably and rightly wants to get starting center money," MacMahon said.

"You can’t have AD on a max, Lively on a big contract and pay Gafford starting center money."

The fact that Gafford has an expiring contract diminishes his value on the market, which could help the Lakers acquire him at a lower cost.

The Lakers' player options are limited mainly to Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Additionally, the team can provide some pick swaps along with one first-round pick.

When playing with Luka Doncic, Daniel Gafford has a 15-2 record in games when he plays 20+ minutes

(Via @statmuse) pic.twitter.com/18D67wfMVC
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) May 10, 2025

The Lakers would gain a significant upgrade at the center position, and more importantly, one that already has chemistry with Doncic.

However, the team cannot afford to spend too many resources on a center, considering the limited assets it will have moving forward.

More Lakers: Important Dates To Look Forward to for The Lakers

Lakers' LeBron James Confirms Knee Injury, Makes Major Announcement

Former Lakers Guard Compares Jalen Green To Kobe in Shocking Way

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.