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  • Lakers and Mavs Could Trade Stars Again This Offseason

    Lakers and Mavs Could Trade Stars Again This Offseason

    With the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) encouraging more complex trades, especially multi-team deals, speculation around blockbuster moves is heating up.

    One of the most intriguing possibilities? A potential star-level trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, two teams already linked through past blockbuster deals involving Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis.

    Now, with both teams looking to improve their rosters for the 2024–25 season and beyond, another major move could be in the works.

    Let’s explore a three-team trade scenario recently proposed by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell that would send Dereck Lively II to the Lakers, and why a simpler deal for Daniel Gafford might be more realistic.

    Why Are the Lakers Interested in Another Trade With the Mavericks?

    After falling short in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, the Lakers made it clear they need to add size and youth to their roster, especially at center. While Anthony Davis remains one of the league’s top big men, his injury history has left L.A. thin in the paint.

    Enter Dereck Lively II.

    The 21-year-old Mavericks center has quickly become one of the most promising young centers in the NBA. He pairs well with playmakers like Luka Dončić, and that same chemistry could translate with LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell in LA.

    Lively offers elite rim protection, mobility, and defensive versatility — all traits the Lakers lacked during their recent playoff run.

    Proposed Three-Team Trade: Lakers, Mavericks, and Hawks

    Here’s how the hypothetical three-team trade breaks down:

    TeamReceives
    HawksNaji Marshall, P.J. Washington
    MavericksAustin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Georges Niang, Shake Milton, 2027 & 2029 second-round picks (via Cleveland from Atlanta)
    LakersDereck Lively II, Terance Mann

    This trade gives the Lakers the young center they’re after while keeping their future draft assets intact. For the Mavericks, adding shooting and depth makes sense as they try to build around Luka Dončić.

    The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, gain valuable expiring contracts and flexibility, making them an ideal third team to help facilitate this kind of deal.

    What This Means for the Lakers

    For the Lakers, giving up Austin Reaves — their third-best offensive player last season — is no small sacrifice. Reaves is not only a fan favorite but also a proven scorer off the bench who fits perfectly next to LeBron James.

    However, Reaves is now eligible for a major contract extension, which could push the Lakers deeper into luxury tax territory. Trading him before that deadline could save money and give Pelinka more flexibility.

    In return, the Lakers get Dereck Lively II, a rising defensive anchor and potential long-term partner for Davis. They also pick up Terance Mann, a versatile wing who could provide depth and energy.

    Is There a Simpler Alternative? Daniel Gafford

    While the Dereck Lively deal is exciting, a more straightforward option could be acquiring Daniel Gafford, another Mavericks big man.

    Gafford is known for his high-energy play, rim running, and defensive intensity. He also has experience playing alongside Luka Dončić, making the transition smoother.

    Unlike Lively, Gafford wouldn’t require a complex three-team structure. The Lakers could likely land him in a two-team deal, possibly including expiring contracts or future picks.

    Of course, landing Gafford may come at a higher price — potentially even overpaying — but it avoids the risk and complexity of a larger trade.

    Will the Mavericks Be Open to Another Deal With the Lakers?

    This all hinges on whether Dallas GM Nico Harrison wants to do business again with Rob Pelinka, just months after the blockbuster Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade in February.

    Harrison has been cautious since taking over in Dallas, preferring to build organically rather than make splashy trades. But with the Mavericks still chasing a championship around Luka, he may be open to moves that strengthen the roster, especially if they receive real value in return.

    If the Lakers can offer the right mix of talent and assets — and the Hawks are willing to act as a facilitator — then another major Lakers-Mavericks trade could happen this summer.

    Final Thoughts: Could We See Another Star Swap?

    While a direct swap of stars isn’t expected, the Lakers and Mavericks could revisit the trade market this offseason, especially with the new CBA making multi-team deals easier to execute.

    Whether it’s Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, or someone else entirely, don’t be surprised if LA and Dallas strike another deal that shakes up the Western Conference.

    Stay tuned — this story could develop fast once free agency kicks off.

  • Can the Lakers Land Steven Adams? Exploring Their MLE Options at Center

    Can the Lakers Land Steven Adams? Exploring Their MLE Options at Center

    As the Los Angeles Lakers head into another offseason, their need for a center has never been clearer. After a first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 playoffs, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka made it plain: adding size to the frontcourt is the top priority.

    With LeBron James having a $52.6 million player option for next season and the team already near the tax, L.A.’s options are limited. But there is one way — the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (NTPMLE) , which is worth $5.7 million.

    This exception restricts the Lakers from signing high-salaried players but opens the door for affordable yet impactful veterans. Among them, Steven Adams is the top target who could bring much-needed physicality and rebounding to the paint.

    Let’s get into whether the Lakers can get Steven Adams with the MLE — and other big men they might consider this summer.

    Why the Lakers Need a Center This Offseason

    The 2023–24 playoffs showed the Lakers‘ lack of interior presence. With Anthony Davis often hurt and no one behind him, L.A. couldn’t control the paint defensively and on the boards.

    D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves provided scoring support, but the team had no rim protection and second-chance opportunities without a traditional center. That’s where a player like Adams comes in — a tough, hard-nosed big man who is all about hustle, screen-setting, and offensive rebounding.

    How the Lakers Can Use the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception

    According to ESPN salary cap expert Sean Marks, the Lakers will only have access to the $5.7 million NTPMLE if LeBron James opts in or signs a new deal for a similar salary.

    So the Lakers can’t go after max or near-max free agents, but they can still pursue veteran contributors willing to take a pay cut for a shot at contention.

    Here’s how that affects their options at center:

    Player2023–24 SalaryExpected MLE OfferPay Cut Needed
    Al Horford$9.5M$5.7MYes
    Kevon Looney$8M$5.7MYes
    Clint Capela$22.2M$5.7MSignificant
    Steven Adams$12.6M$5.7MYes

    All four names would require some financial flexibility — especially Capela, who earned over $22 million last year.

    Could Steven Adams Be a Fit for the Lakers?

    Steven Adams isn’t your typical modern NBA center — he doesn’t stretch the floor or run the pick-and-roll with flair. What he does offer, however, is something the Lakers desperately need: toughness, physicality, and elite offensive rebounding.

    Adams averaged 5.8 rebounds per game last season with the Houston Rockets and consistently ranks among the league leaders in second-chance points. His ability to set hard screens and clean up misses around the rim complements stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis perfectly.

    At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, Adams brings an edge that was missing from the Lakers’ rotation last year. While he may not be a starter, his role off the bench could make a noticeable difference in playoff matchups.

    But there’s a catch — Adams will have to accept a significant pay cut to join the Lakers. As an unrestricted free agent, he’ll likely receive better offers from teams with more cap space.

    Still, the allure of playing alongside LeBron James and chasing a championship might entice him to take less money.

    Other Centers the Lakers Could Target With the MLE

    #1 – Clint Capela

    Capela is arguably the most talented center on this list. A dominant finisher at the rim and one of the best rebounders in the league, Capela could thrive alongside LeBron and Davis. However, he’d have to leave over $16 million on the table to sign with L.A., making this move unlikely unless Atlanta facilitates a buyout.

    #2 – Kevon Looney

    Looney is a defensive anchor and a master of positioning. Though undersized at 6-foot-9, he excels at protecting the rim and crashing the boards. He won three titles with the Warriors and could provide leadership in L.A.

    #3 – Al Horford

    Horford is a two-way threat who spaces the floor and defends multiple positions. At age 37, he’s slowed down a bit, but his playoff experience and IQ could help the Lakers late in games.

    Final Thoughts: Will Adams End Up in LA?

    While Steven Adams seems like a natural fit for the Lakers’ roster needs, the financial reality of the situation makes it a tough sell. If he wants to maximize his earnings, there will be better offers elsewhere.

    However, if Adams prioritizes winning over money, and Pelinka sells him on the opportunity to play a key role on a contender, then a reunion between the Lakers and Adams is possible.

    For now, fans should keep an eye on how LeBron James handles his player option, as that decision will shape the Lakers’ entire offseason strategy.