Lakers reinforcement target appears! Targeting the Mavericks inside line, salary pressure may make Dallas release people

According to ESPN senior reporter Tim McMahon in the latest episode of the "Hoop Collective" podcast, Dallas Mavericks' main center Daniel Gafford is becoming the key observation target of the Los Angeles Lakers. At present, the Purple and Gold Legion is eager to find a center forward who can take the lead, and the salary difficulties faced by the Mavericks may open a window for this deal.

McMahon detailed analysis pointed out that Dallas management is experiencing the troubles of happiness. With Anthony Davis holding a maximum salary and rookie Drake Lefley is about to be eligible for early renewal next year, the team's salary structure has already lit up. Gafford's current three-year, $40.18 million contract is about to enter its final year (salary of $14.39 million in the 2025-26 season). The 26-year-old insider has the capital to strive for a new contract in the free market that meets the value of starting centers.

"The reality is that it is difficult for the Mavericks to bear three high-quality centers at the same time. " McMahon emphasized, "When Davis takes up the maximum salary space, Lefly's rookie bonus period is about to end, and the team must make choices in the center position. Gafford's market value is obviously higher than his current contract, which has posed a difficult problem for Dallas. "

Gafford's performance this season is efficient. In the 57 regular season games that represented the Mavericks (of which 31 starts), he averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in just 21.5 minutes, and showed the power of the frame protection with 1.8 blocks. Such data is attractive to any team that needs combat power, especially for the Lakers who urgently need to increase the depth of the penalty area.

It is worth noting that only Hayes is available in the center of the Lakers, and his ability is limited and has not yet proved that he can be competent for the starter. If Dallas eventually chooses to trade due to salary pressure, a blue-collar center like Gafford, which has both athletic ability and defensive hardness, may be the puzzle that the Lakers need to make the playoffs.