With the 2025 offseason underway, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be aggressive in addressing one of their most pressing needs: a reliable center to anchor the middle alongside Jaxson Hayes.
In a recent piece for Bleacher Report, NBA insider Eric Pincus explored the Lakers’ potential targets and the trade landscape they’re facing.
One name that stands out on Pincus’ radar is Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks.
The athletic big man was instrumental in the Mavs’ defensive turnaround last season, and his shot-blocking and lob-finishing abilities would pair well with the Lakers’ core.
However, a trade might not be so straightforward.
“Gafford would be an ideal target,” Pincus writes, “though the Mavericks may be reluctant to make another trade with the Lakers so soon after the Doncic blockbuster.”
That past blockbuster, which reshaped both franchises, could potentially complicate negotiations, especially if Dallas sees the Lakers as a direct Western Conference rival.
Pincus also mentions Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors and Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic as alternative options. Poeltl brings a polished interior game and strong rebounding, but his availability remains uncertain.
“Toronto will likely be reluctant to part with Poeltl,” Pincus notes, highlighting the Raptors’ typical patience with their core players.
As for Bitadze, the 6’11” center showed flashes of promise in limited minutes in Orlando but may not be suited for a starting role on a team with championship aspirations.
“Bitadze is more of a backup than a starter,” Pincus adds.
Given the Lakers’ financial constraints and limited trade capital, the team will have to strike a balance between realistic targets and long-term fit.
Whether they go all-in on a name like Gafford or pivot to a more modest acquisition, the front office clearly understands that a dependable presence at center is key to complementing Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber for another season.
Onyeka Okongwu is just one center the Lakers may look to when addressing their big man depth this summer. Details: https://t.co/jeWRP7LS7Y
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 24, 2025
