The Los Angeles Lakers have some work to do this offseason after being booted from the first round of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs. Although all areas of the Lakers' lineup could use a boost, the lack of reliable frontcourt depth is one of the organization's most pressing offseason needs.
The Minnesota Timberwolves series exposed the Lakers' poor center depth, making it abundantly clear that Jaxson Hayes isn't starting material. The good news, however, is that Hayes will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, giving Los Angeles an opening to find the perfect big man to play alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Fortunately, plenty of centers will be available this offseason between free agency and the trade market. That includes one veteran rebounder whom the Lakers should acquire to replace Hayes sooner rather than later.
Lakers Must Replace Jaxson Hayes With Daniel Gafford This Offseason
The Dallas Mavericks are one team that could be looking to shake up their roster this summer.
Life was rough for the Mavericks after the pre-deadline Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap. The injury bug ravaged the team throughout the regular season's final stretch, culminating in a 39-43 record that saw the Mavs miss the playoffs after being bounced from the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Assuming the Mavericks are still accepting calls from general manager Rob Pelinka, the Lakers should make it a priority to pry veteran center Daniel Gafford away from the Lone Star State.
Gafford, 26, is a six-year NBA veteran who was drafted 38th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2019. The former Arkansas Razorback has since played 387 regular-season games (215 starts) with the Bulls, Mavericks, and Washington Wizards, as well as 24 playoff starts — including his run with Dallas to the 2023-24 NBA Finals.
Gafford's latest season makes it easy to see how much of an upgrade he'd be over Hayes. The 6-foot-10 is coming off a solid 2024-25 performance that saw him average a career-high 12.3 points per game on 70.2% shooting, while also putting up 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 assists across 57 outings (31 starts).
It also helps that Gafford is more than familiar with Doncic after the duo played together in parts of the last two seasons. The dynamic duo connected on plenty of lobs throughout their Dallas tenure, and it isn't hard to get excited about the results that a potential reunion could produce, especially with James also in the mix.
GAFFORD ONE HAND FOR THE LOB ‼️
— NBA (@NBA) May 27, 2024
DALLAS IS MAYHEM 🔊🔊
📺 TNT pic.twitter.com/Aq2iush7FN
Gafford's financial situation is also more than affordable if the Lakers don't want to break the bank, as he's only under contract for one more season with a $14.3 million cap hit, according to Spotrac.
The Lakers are fortunate to have a handful of contracts that can help them match Gafford's cap hit in a potential deal. Rui Hachimura ($17 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), Jarred Vanderbilt ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) all have contracts the Lakers should be open to moving this summer, and a thrown-in draft pick or two would help sweeten the deal.
Trading for a potential rental player is risky, but risks win titles. If the Lakers are serious about being a contender next season and beyond, they must take a swing on a proven center like Gafford this offseason.