One consistently speculated Los Angeles Lakers offseason target appears to be off the table, with the Dallas Mavericks expected to extend Daniel Gafford. There was reason to wonder if the Lakers could land the center and reunite the starter with former Dallas teammate Luka Dončić. It would solve the issue of a consistent lob threat and help answer the questions the franchise is facing at the center position. If the season started today, there isn't one viable center on the current roster. Even the struggling Jaxson Hayes has exited to free agency, and depth piece Alex Len isn't expected to be retained.
With this in mind, Gafford could've been the team's answer to the position. However, if the report is accurate, a deal isn't going to happen. Not only would the proposed contract move the center out of the Lakers' comfort zone it also signals the Mavericks have zero intention of moving on. With Anthony Davis still under contract and rookie Cooper Flagg on the way, there isn't any reason for the Mavericks not to push their chips to the center of the table in an effort to contend.
The Mavericks Won't Help the Lakers a Second Time
Can confirm through a person familiar with the situation that #Mavs center Daniel Gafford intends to sign a three-year contract extension worth nearly $60 million.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) June 24, 2025
It is hard to blame the Mavericks for making an attempt to contend despite losing Kyrie Irving for an unknown amount of time. Winning the lottery put Flagg into Dallas and replaced a star the franchise had just handed to Los Angeles. This leaves no reason to trade Gafford and leaves every reason to continue to make winning moves. For the Lakers, it is a possible option now closed if Gafford follows through and signs the extension as expected.
Still, there are a myriad of options and potential reasons for excitement when it comes to the options at center. With LeBron and Luka, the Lakers are a premier destination for all free agents and potential trade pieces. It isn't going to be difficult to find another fit if the team is savvy and patient with what assets it currently has.
For Gafford, the door isn't completely closed on the Lakers in the future, but it seems an impossible move for at least this season. A frustrating development that does cross off one of the ideal targets of the 2025 offseason.