Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be aggressive in addressing one of their most pressing needs: a reliable center to anchor the middle alongside Anthony Davis
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.
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.
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.
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 Davis and LeBron James for another title run.
