Since acquiring Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been looking to add a rim-running big man. Rob Pelinka did strike a deal for Mark Williams at the NBA trade deadline, but the trade was rescinded due to a failed medical.
As such, an explosive lob-threat and rim-protector is expected to be high on the Lakers’ list of targets this summer. Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks is rumored to be high on Pelinka’s list of potential additions.
However, according to Jovan Buha, via his “Buha’s Block” podcast, Pelinka could be forced to overpay if he targets Gafford during the offseason.
“My read is they’d probably have to overpay,” Buha said. “It would probably have to be something like, do you get like Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and a first for Daniel Gafford? That’s a lot. Maybe you could lottery protect it or something, but that’s a lot to give up for Daniel Gafford. I think that’s more than he’s worth.”
Gafford and Doncic have experience of playing together from their time in Dallas. The partnership the two have is a known commodity. Pelinka could favor that pre-built relationship, as Gafford would be less of a risk for the Lakers. However, he must explore his options, especially if he wants to avoid overpaying for talent.
Lakers Could Add Chris Paul This Summer
Outside of needing a rim-runner, the Lakers could also use some help at the guard position. Chris Paul is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Despite being 4o years old, he just completed all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs. However, it would appear Paul wants to be closer to his family moving forward.
“My son just turned 16,” Paul said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “My daughter is 12. The past six seasons, I’ve lived without them. I go to San Antonio, Phoenix, Golden State—they were in Houston with me—Oklahoma City. … I’ve been around a few teams, but I’ve been away from them the last six years. It’s a little different. That’s the conversation…I want to hoop because I love to hoop. But, at the same time, I want to be dad.”
Paul averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists this season. He shot 42.7% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range. Having him come off the bench for the Lakers next season would give JJ Redick’s second unit a significant boost.
Lakers Could Have a Busy Summer
Pelinka began a roster re-tooling when he added Doncic last season. The Lakers must now build a team that brings the best out of the superstar, both in the short and long term. The first step will be finding a big man. After that, adding shooting and playmaking will also be high on the agenda.
Of course, a lot of what the Lakers do this summer will depend on whether LeBron James re-signs for another season and the value of the contract he signs. Nevertheless, Pelinka would be wise to add some fresh talent to the rotation, especially as the Lakers have their sights set on a championship in the near future.
