There isn't any secret in what the Los Angeles Lakers need to do this offseason to build around new franchise star Luka Dončić. The point forward is going to need far more help defensively and lob threats that can help offset his defensive liabilities.
One potential fit could be a player Luka has already proven he can thrive when playing alongside. There is a reason the Lakers were the Mavs' lone call when they made the decision to trade Luka. Rob Pelinka has an established relationship with the Dallas front office.
Perhaps this introduces a chance for the Lakers to revisit the team that handed Los Angeles their future star and bring in a supporting piece. Dallas big man Daniel Gafford is facing an uncertain future with the franchise at a loaded position. The Mavericks had loaded up on size before trading for former Laker Anthony Davis. This introduces the possibility of a surprise reunion that would make sense for both sides.
Lakers Could Bring in a Proven Performer Next to Luka Doncic
Despite the never-ending speculation around LeBron James, this is now Luka's team. It is exactly what LeBron has been asking for since joining the Lakers. This chapter of LeBron's career is about finding someone to take the keys to the franchise. It is searching for the situation James believed he had found in Cleveland with Kyrie Irving.
The problem was the fact that Anthony Davis was wildly inconsistent, and it seemed every other night James was asked to be the best player on the floor. This is no longer the case, and it makes it clear that the team must make an effort to build the core around Luka while expecting James to fit in and fill the gaps.
A potential Daniel Gafford trade makes sense when you consider the extremely limited free agent market. Los Angeles is going to need to be creative in finding rim protection and searching for lob threats for their new star. With this in mind, Gafford is the best path forward as a player proven capable of doing both of these things at a higher level than expected.
The big man was a part of a Luka team that would make a surprise run to last year's NBA Finals. This is now the level of expectations Rob Pelinka is dealing with and demands the team explore all options, including a possible reunion with a player who has already proven to be a perfect fit alongside Luka Dončić.