The Los Angeles Lakers are still rumored to make a midseason trade for either Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins or Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford.
Why Lakers Should Not Trade For Andrew Wiggins
The Lakers could pursue a trade for Wiggins, but such a move would likely not benefit their roster.
Austin Reaves has emerged as a reliable superstar for the team, and LeBron James’ return from a sciatica injury has helped lead L.A. to a 13-4 start and the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings.
Despite their early success amid injuries, the Lakers are reportedly monitoring Wiggins’ situation in Miami, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Through 15 appearances (all starts), Wiggins is averaging 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc.
If the Lakers decide to make a trade, Wiggins will join a lineup that includes Luka Doncic, Reaves, James, and Deandre Ayton. It would look kind of strange as L.A. would be Wiggins’ third team since last season.
James is constantly preaching the importance of team chemistry, and that particular starting five might not jell as well as some might think. Doncic and Reaves have already become a high-scoring duo.
It makes little sense for the Lakers to entertain a Wiggins trade if it means dealing away key role players on expiring contracts, i.e., Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber.
Why Lakers Should Trade For Daniel Gafford
The Lakers have had interest in Gafford “dating back to last season,” according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. The Purple and Gold already have a veteran center in Ayton, but adding Gafford would help improve depth.
Gafford, 27, also has experience playing alongside Doncic.
In 57 games (31 starts) with the Mavericks last season, Gafford averaged a career-high 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 21.5 minutes per contest while shooting 70.2% from the floor and 68.9% from the foul line.
Per Basketball Reference, Gafford also averaged a career-high usage rate of 19.5%. He finished 10th in blocks (102) and third in offensive rating (137.4) as well.
Entering the season, Gafford’s 71% career field goal percentage was the best in the NBA since he was drafted in 2019 (based on a minimum of 1,000 field goal attempts), per Second Spectrum.
However, one NBA insider believes a Gafford trade may not happen due to team injuries.
“Daniel Gafford is widely regarded as the most tradeable Maverick between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline in Year 1 of a three-year deal worth $54.4 million, but the injuries that have frequently derailed Davis and Dereck Lively II add a layer of complication even to Gafford’s status,” Marc Stein reported on Nov. 17.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5.
