Lakers' NBA Ambitions
Los Angeles Lakers reportedly exploring trade for Luka Doncic, also seeking a center
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The Los Angeles Lakers are in active talks with the Dallas Mavericks to acquire center Daniel Gafford, a move driven directly by Luka Dončić's public demand for roster upgrades, according to Sports Illustrated. Dončić, who was traded from Dallas to LA in February 2025, told reporters on June 16, 2026 that the team needs "shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump."
The Lakers finished the 2025-26 season 53-29 but were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Dončić missed the entire playoff run with a torn hamstring, per Fadeaway World. Now, with a full offseason ahead, GM Rob Pelinka is under pressure to deliver.
Gafford Trade Would Reunite Dončić with His Perfect Big
Daniel Gafford is the clear top target for the Lakers this summer. The Mavericks center shot 72.5% from the floor when playing alongside Dončić during the 2024-25 season, according to BasketNews. That elite rim-running fit is exactly what Dončić says he is missing in LA. The Lakers are reportedly dangling the 25th overall pick to get the deal done, per Sports Illustrated.
Gafford's availability stems from Dallas's full pivot to rebuilding around rookie Cooper Flagg, the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Veterans like Gafford and P.J. Washington are now expendable, per Sports Illustrated. Dallas is more interested in young assets and future picks than in helping Dončić succeed in Los Angeles.
Lakers' Current Center Rotation Has Failed Dončić
The Lakers' frontcourt was a clear weakness in 2025-26. Deandre Ayton was described as "inconsistent" and Jaxson Hayes failed to provide elite rim-running, according to Heavy Sports. Dončić thrived in Dallas with Gafford and Dereck Lively II — two vertical, above-the-rim finishers. LA's current bigs simply cannot replicate that.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin noted that Dončić's desire for an "A-list center" has been his primary ask since arriving in LA. "Luka wants to be a championship team yesterday," McMenamin said. Head Coach JJ Redick has been in "constant communication" with Dončić in Slovenia to build out the 2026-27 offensive system around his needs, per Sporting News.
Cap Crunch and the LeBron-Reaves Contract Problem
The Lakers project to have nearly $50 million in cap space this offseason. But new CBA "apron" rules — salary limits that restrict how much teams can spend — make building a true contender around Dončić and LeBron James extremely difficult, per Lake Show Life. GM Pelinka has said he will not make a deal that "hinders long-term flexibility" unless it is a true "needle-mover," according to The Stein Line.
Austin Reaves is expected to command over $241 million on a maximum extension this summer, per NBC Sports. To make the math work, the Lakers may need to move younger players like Dalton Knecht or Jarred Vanderbilt. Every dollar matters in a summer where Pelinka has promised to fully retool the roster around Dončić.
West Is Getting Younger — Lakers Need to Act Fast
The Western Conference is increasingly dominated by young, athletic rosters. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Lakers in the second round. The San Antonio Spurs are also rising fast. Analysts warn that without a major frontcourt upgrade, LA risks being stuck in a "LeBron-Luka holding pattern" without ever reaching the Finals, per The Ringer.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst suggested the Lakers should also monitor a potential multi-team deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, which could bring Miami's Kel'el Ware to LA as a secondary piece, according to BasketNews. For now, Gafford remains the most realistic and direct path to giving Dončić — who averaged 33.5 points per game this season — the pick-and-roll partner he is demanding.
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