LeBron James made history on Tuesday night when he made his 2025 Los Angeles Lakers debut and began his 23rd NBA season. While the 40-year-old didn’t appear to be in mid-season form, he fit right in with L.A.’s surging core of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia.
If there was ever a concern that James’ return might mess with the chemistry that L.A. forged during its 10-4 start without him, it can be dispelled. James stepped right into a complementary role, finishing the 140-126 win with 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds.
“Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer. Didn’t force it,” head coach JJ Redick said, per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. “Took his drives and his shots when they were there. The defense is going to pay attention to him, and I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really great to have him back.”
While the team didn’t always appear to be on the same page when James and Dončić were on the court together, they should develop a stronger rapport as the season progresses.
The Lakers will be a more formidable team with James back in the fold. However, his return won’t fix the issues that could keep the Lakers from being legitimate title contenders.
Specifically, the Lakers need more consistent perimeter shooting, better rebounding and more dependable defense—L.A. ranks 17th in defensive rating and 11th in rebounding percentage.
While finding a quality deep shooter at this point in the season could prove difficult, Los Angeles might have the perfect trade target to help address the other needs while providing valuable center depth.
The Lakers should target Dončić’s former Dallas Mavericks teammate, Daniel Gafford.
Dallas is at a crossroads after the firing of GM Nico Harrison. Injuries have prevented Harrison’s Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis pairing from taking off. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, some around the league believe that the Mavericks would be best served by trading both stars:
“The belief, from sources I spoke to, is that the Mavs moving on from at least Davis, if not both stars, was the optimal strategy. Those moves would help maximize the 2026 first-round pick in a loaded 2026 draft class — the only selection Dallas controls the rest of this decade — to reposition the franchise around 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.”
If the Mavericks are willing to sell off their veterans in order to maximize draft capital, it’s not a stretch to think that Gafford could also be available. According to FanSided’s Matt Moore, Gafford is actually “the most likely” trade candidate.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have had interest in the 27-year-old “dating back to last season,” according to Brett Siegel of CluthPoints.
While the Lakers appear to have found a quality center in Ayton, adding Gafford for depth would make perfect sense. For one, he has experience playing with Dončić, and his age makes him a strong fit for a timeline centered around Dončić and Reaves as L.A.’s long-term future.
Gafford, who averaged 1.8 blocks and 4.1 defensive rebounds last season, can help on the defensive, and he’s already proven himself as an interior offensive asset while playing with Dončić.
Under contract through the 2028-29 season, Gafford could also give L.A. some long-term security. The Lakers don’t have that in Ayton, who has a player option next season.
The unknown, of course, is what L.A. would have to give up to acquire Gafford and whether it can make a deal work financially. The Lakers are just $1.1 million under the first tax apron, and Gafford has a $17.3 million salary. It’s also unclear if Los Angeles could swing a deal for Gafford while maintaining enough assets to add a three-point specialist at some point before the deadline.
At this point in the season, though, Gafford looks like the best realistic trade target the Lakers could possibly pursue.