The Los Angeles Lakers’ quest for frontcourt stability has become one of the most talked-about storylines as the NBA season heads towards the finish line.
After years of rotating big men without a clear solution, the franchise hoped to finally address the problem last summer by signing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton. The Lakers envisioned Ayton‘s size, athleticism, and scoring around the rim as the missing piece to stabilize a position that has been a revolving door in recent seasons.
However, Ayton‘s inconsistent performances have left fans and management questioning whether he can be the long-term answer, particularly in high-pressure playoff situations. With significant projected cap space and several strategic paths to explore this offseason, Los Angeles seems poised to consider substantial moves rather than relying on past signings.
Ayton‘s presence has not resolved the Lakers’ most glaring interior issues: defensive coverage, rebounding, and physicality in the paint. While he has the talent to contribute offensively, the team’s struggles against more dominant frontcourts have amplified scrutiny on his fit.
With superstar talent like LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the roster, it is clear that the Lakers’ championship window demands immediate solutions to avoid another disappointing postseason.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, center is among the Lakers’ top priorities for improvement, suggesting that changes could come through free agency, trades, or a combination of both. While the team is expected to explore other positions in restricted free agency, such as Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, upgrading the center spot remains a critical task to ensure the Lakers can compete with the league’s elite.
Reunion that could reshape the Lakers’ interior
Among potential targets, Daniel Gafford, a former teammate of Doncic in Dallas, stands out as a particularly compelling option. Gafford‘s combination of rim protection, rebounding, and finishing ability would immediately address some of Los Angeles’ most persistent weaknesses.
In 40 games this season, he has averaged roughly 8.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting over 60% from the field, demonstrating efficiency and consistency in the paint. His familiarity with Doncic‘s playstyle could also help accelerate team chemistry, a factor that often proves invaluable during playoff runs.
Gafford‘s contract situation enhances his appeal. He is entering the final season of a three-year deal, after which a $54 million extension kicks in starting in 2026-27. This provides the Lakers with a cost-controlled, long-term solution at a position that has long lacked stability.
While acquiring him would likely require negotiation with the Dallas Mavericks, who may be cautious given past dealings with Los Angeles, the potential upside for the Lakers is significant. A player like Gafford could complement the team’s stars while immediately improving rebounding, rim defense, and interior scoring.
Despite the challenges in executing a trade, a reunion with Gafford represents one of the most logical and intriguing avenues for the Lakers this offseason. For a franchise eager to maximize its championship window around LeBron, Doncic and potentially new additions, securing a physically dominant, familiar, and efficient center may be exactly what the Lakers need to return to contention.
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