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Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
While other title contenders have already completed some intriguing trades, the Lakers remain patient on the transfer market for the time being. It has to be said that three profiles that seemed to interest them are now seen as out of reach.
In addition to the trades of Desmond Bane and Jrue Holiday, which should have a greater impact on the Eastern Conference, that of Kevin Durant could turn the Western hierarchy upside down. By acquiring the winger-star, the Rockets could have considerably increased their title chances. Their runners-up this season, the Lakers, are still looking for the best way to strengthen their ranks.
Three files suddenly closed for the Lakers?
It’s no secret around the league that the Lakers are hoping to improve their frontcourt, and more specifically their rotation at center. To this end, several profiles seemed to have caught their eye, including Daniel Gafford. A former teammate of Luka Doncic in Dallas, Gafford was even considered by some to be the ideal recruit. However, according to Shams Charania, his future is now sealed:
Shams Charania: According to ESPN sources, Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford is set to sign a three-year contract extension worth around $60 million. (…) Gafford is coming off a season averaging 12.3 points per game – a career high – and will partner Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Cooper Flagg in the Mavericks’ frontcourt.
Despite a racket that was already looking very (too) busy, Gafford is set to remain with the Mavericks, putting an end to rumours that he was headed for Los Angeles. As for the Purple & Gold, they will have to look for alternatives. Two of these have so far led them to the Jazz, but are either unattainable or unrealistic, according to Marc Stein’s latest information:
Marc Stein: It’s been a while since the Jazz made (Walker) Kessler unavailable on the market, which may have contributed last week to rumors suggesting that L.A. was interested in Kessler’s teammate John Collins. Collins is coming off a fine 2024-25 season, but I’m told that any suggestion that the Lakers were interested in the 17-year-old interior would be erroneous.
It’s safe to assume, then, that Rob Pelinka and his assistants won’t be shopping around in Utah. Kessler and Collins, who were both announced as targets, are likely to continue their journey in Salt Lake City, or join another franchise. In other words, the remaining avenues open to the Angelino front office are few and far between, which could force the latter to overpay to ensure that one of them comes to fruition.
