New Lakers trade rumor would break Mavericks fans' hearts all over again

Teams are reportedly expected to monitor Daniel Gafford’s trade status this season, and if the Dallas Mavericks decide to move him, he could very well end up getting sent to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have been Mavericks fans' No. 1 enemy ever since they fleeced Nico Harrison for Luka Doncic back on February 1, and this would throw fans through the wringer once again.

The Lakers have strong trade interest in Gafford that dates back to last season, according to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, and this is the last thing that Mavs fans wanted to hear. Los Angeles trading for Gafford to reunite with Doncic would rip fans’ hearts out, as this duo would probably pick up right where they left off.

They never got a chance to avenge their unfinished business when they fell short against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, and the Lakers would be even tougher to beat if they got their hands on Gafford. Los Angeles is 7-2 on the year despite LeBron James not playing a single game yet, and they're already looking like the team to beat in the West along with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Lakers have their sights set on Daniel Gafford

Doncic and Gafford were one of the best pick-and-roll duos in the NBA during their short time as Mavericks teammates, and their chemistry was strong right from the jump. Doncic was always looking to throw lobs to Gafford and get him as involved as possible, and Los Angeles may be a better spot for him considering how bad Dallas’ offense looks to begin this season.

They are currently the worst-ranked offense in the NBA, and this is only making things harder on Gafford. There is no flow, and fans are beginning to doubt Jay Triano's Princeton-style offense.

They are no longer running constant pick and rolls with Gafford, and he is getting most of his points off scoring after catching the ball in the paint or after securing an offensive rebound. Gafford is still a strong finisher with his back to the basket due to his solid touch in the paint, but the Mavericks aren’t maximizing his skillset.

Gafford is best when he’s playing next to an elite playmaker who can serve up lobs for him right at the rim, and Dallas doesn’t have that anymore. He was in a perfect situation on the Mavericks before they traded Doncic, and the best situation for him may be to play elsewhere, such as Los Angeles.

He just signed a three-year, $54 million extension that narrowly avoided a six-month trade restriction, and it wouldn’t be shocking if the Mavericks move on in an effort to somehow salvage the season. This season already seems unfixable nine games in, but they could definitely get some decent value back for him due to his rim protection and paint presence on both ends of the floor.

Seeing him join Doncic once again would break Mavericks fans to the core, but this has seemed like a realistic option for months due to Gafford’s dynamic with Doncic, as well as the Lakers’ team needs. Los Angeles has gotten great production out of Deandre Ayton, but bringing in Gafford would be a major upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.

Gafford and Doncic's bond is no secret, as Gafford was interested in teaming up with Doncic on Team Slovenia, and while Gafford being traded to the Lakers may be the perfect trade for them, it would be the worst move for Mavericks fans' well-being.