After his Disappointing elimination in the first round of the playoffs against the Wolves (1-4)the Lakers are already working on the planning of the next season, and they are very clear that One of its weak points this campaign has been the inner gamewithout a reference pivot to complement its powerful perimeter with LeBron James, Luka Doncic y Austin Reaves.
His goal at first was Daniel Gaffordwho has a year left with the Mavericksbut the initial reports they managed indicated that The 2.08 my 26 -year -old pivot was not available. However, According to US media, the situation seems to have changed in recent days And the Lakers house hopes Be able to negotiate a transfer with Dallas To get your services.
Doncic takes advantage of Gafford to Shepard during his time together in Dallas.
Las Gafford negotiations with the MAVs seem stagnant since the pivot will enter next season in his last year of contract (for which he would receive 14.3 million dollars)and pretends that his team considerably increases his salary to ensure his continuity beyond 2026. But Dallas is not clear since his titular pivot, Dereck Lively, also has a year of contract.
Given this, Gafford is at a dead point With the organization. At 26, he has proven to be One of the most workers and effective pivots leaving from the bench. With an average of 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds For the game, the MAV pivot contributed solidly to the performance of the team, even in his few games as headline.
Contract extension or transfer
The MAVs could offer a contract extension to Gaffordbut if they do not reach an agreement They would be willing to transfer it to get something in return for him before he becomes a free agent and leave the free franchise in 2026.
The mavericks feel In a privilege position after having obtained the first choice of the draft lottery, which will allow them select Cooper Flagg as number 1. But they are aware that The most urgent concern they have right now is the hiring of a basebecause the injured Kyrie Irving It cannot reappear, as soon, until January 2026.
Wembanyama, defended by Gafford and Doncic during the stage of this in Dallas.
In that sense The Mavericks could include Gafford in a transfer that guarantees them the arrival of a creator of the game and perhaps another role -playing player. That need to Dallas y Lakers It could make both franchises establish a negotiation in which The Angels could offer Gabe Vincent, base of 1.88 my 28 years) already Dalton Knecht (1.98 my 24 -year -old escort) In exchange for Daniel Gafford, the big man they need to strengthen his inner game.
CLIXTON NIC and MITCHELL ROBINSON, in their spotlight
But Gafford is not the only pivot to which the Lakers have taken their eye. Nic Claxton y Mitchell Robinson They would also be in their views. Complications Claxton, 2.00 m pivot of the Nets He is one of the most versatile defensive players in the league and according to Jovan Buhaexpert in the Angelina franchise, it would be another of its main objectives by being an expert in finishing plays in Alley-Oops.
Nic CLxton, Net player at the spotlight of the Lakers.
The main obstacle in his case would be that he is entering the second year of A four -year contract for 97 million dollarsand to match your salary 25.3 million of dollars it would be necessary for Lakers to include valuable assets such as Dalton Knecht y Jarred Vanderbilttogether with a Draft compensation.
Mitchell Robinsonpivot of 2,13 m de los Knicksit would be cheaper and fulfilled a similar defensive role, but there are serious concerns about your health and your consistency in rebounds that relegate him in his list of futures.
Zikarsky, 2.18 my 18, in his draft orbit
Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a pivot, and could The last Bleacher Report Draft drill for 2025. Lakers will only have the Selection number 55 In the NBA Draft of 2025, and could be shot with her To Australian Rocco Zikarskya young pivot of 2.18 my 18 years. But more thinking about a good progression for the future in the medium term than for the immediate present.
