Luka Doncic is on fire to start the 2025-26 season.
Although the five-time All-Star hasn’t been available for all nine of the Lakers’ regular-season games due to injuries, he’s undoubtedly operated as the star of the show when healthy.
Doncic is averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game this season on a Lakers squad that’s five games above.500.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, things could soon get even better for Doncic and the Lakers, as the notable NBA writer reported that the Lakers could reunite their superstar point guard with his 6-foot-10 former Dallas Mavericks teammate to increase his comfort level in Los Angeles.
“It is no secret that Harrison and the Mavericks' front office will explore what return exists for Klay Thompson before the trade deadline, and several teams are monitoring Daniel Gafford's status,” Siegel wrote Friday.
"The 27-year-old center recently signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension this offseason, but he remains trade eligible this season.”
“At this time, the Mavs are not operating in a panic mode and don't appear to be ready to sell assets by any means, but they are being watched closely."
"Coincidentally enough, one of the teams with strong interest in Gafford dating back to last season is the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said. Could we see a reunion between Luka Doncic and Gafford in Los Angeles in February?”
While it isn’t far-fetched to suggest that Derek Lively was Doncic’s favorite lob threat in Dallas, Gafford was a close second.
The Arkansas product joined the Mavericks midway through the 2023-24 season and didn’t waste any time using his soft touch and superb defensive instincts to help the franchise reach the NBA Finals.
Gafford averaged 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game during the second portion of his fifth NBA season, shooting 78.0% from the field.
While Doncic is no longer Gafford’s pick-and-roll partner, the 27-year-old is off to a solid start to the current season, contributing 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while connecting on 75.0% of his field goals.
If the Lakers want to make a midseason frontcourt trade that could benefit them as well as their franchise point guard, they should consider prying Gafford away from the Mavericks.
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