LA Could Have Trouble Landing Main Trade Target

The Los Angeles Lakers may struggle to nab a top trade target this offseason.

After falling in five games to the now-Western Conference Finals-bound Minnesota Timberwolves, the 50-win Lakers were sent home in the first round for the second straight season.

This year, the club looked a heck of a lot different than it had in 2023-24. That's because L.A. flipped 10-time All-Star center/power forward Anthony Davis, an elite rim protector and post scorer, plus a 2029 first round pick and 3-and-D starting shooting guard Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for five-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Doncic (six years Davis' junior, and already with higher upside), in addition to frontcourt reserves Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.

More Los Angeles Lakers News: Lakers Only Have One Path to Landing Giannis Antetokounmpo

To complete the deal, the Lakers opened up a roster spot by trading second-year point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and their rights to the L.A. Clippers' 2025 second round draft pick to the Utah Jazz, while Dallas offloaded its own 2025 second.

Los Angeles was exposed in the interior during its Minnesota series, and clearly needs a rim-roller to pair with Doncic going forward — ideally one who aligns with the young star's timeline.

Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times writes that Mavericks center Daniel Gafford and Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton have emerged as L.A.'s top two ideal trade fits this summer. But Woike cautions that one big caveat could preclude a deal with Dallas: the fact that, around the league at large, everyone thinks the Lakers absolutely fleeced the Mavericks in the pre-trade deadline Luka Doncic deal.

More Los Angeles Lakers: Lakers Land Potential Anthony Davis Replacement in Latest Mock Draft

"The trouble, of course, is that people around the NBA wonder how it would look if Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison engaged Pelinka and the Lakers on another trade after the last deal between the teams was so unpopular that it caused protests," Woike writes.

Gafford, 26, was the starting center on last season's NBA Finals-bound Dallas squad alongside Doncic. The Arkansas product will be on an expiring $14.3 million contract next year.

In his 57 healthy games this past regular season, the 6-foot-10 big man averaged 12.3 points on 70.2 percent field goal shooting and 68.9 percent free throw shooting, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 assists a night. He's a solid defender and finisher around the cup, and a springy athlete. Gafford could be exactly what the doctor ordered for L.A.

More Los Angeles Lakers News:

Lakers Predicted to Part Ways With Dalton Knecht in Massive New Trade Idea

Lakers Offseason Cap Space Situation Explained

Top 5 Landing Spots for Lakers' LeBron James if He Opts Out

Lakers' Bronny James Drops Major Hint at When LeBron James Will Retire

JJ Redick Sends Strong Message to Lakers After Minnesota Playoff Series Loss

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Los Angeles Lakers On SI.