NBA Trade Rumors: The "gift" of Luka Doncic to backfire for Lakers
The LA Lakers landed Luka Doncic in a sensational trade on Feb. 2. While many naturally expected the Lakers to become the ultimate powerhouse with this move, it may not seem as plausible moving forward. According to the latest NBA trade rumors reported by insider Jake Weinbach, the majority of the league believes that Doncic was "gifted" to the Lakers.
LA's ability to trade for players of high-level interest is expected to become challenging because of it. The price tag for such targets will likely be higher when the Lakers sit at the negotiating table to look for roster upgrades around their new franchise centerpiece.
League executives believe the Lakers were handed a “gift” after acquiring Luka Dončić from Dallas. It’s important to note — this league-wide sentiment is expected to make it more challenging for the Lakers to negotiate with other teams. If the Lakers engage in trade discussions, the organization may have to “overpay” for certain players of interest on the market.
It's not new for the Lakers to receive demanding price tags for top role players. It has been the case for the majority of LeBron James' tenure in LA. With Doncic joining forces with the four-time MVP in a relatively affordable deal, the prospects of the Lakers possibly "overpaying" have only grown.
If that indeed becomes the issue moving forward, it would be a tough blow for the 17-time NBA champions. The Lakers have multiple needs at different positions across the board.
One of their primary concerns is the center position. The team doesn't have a traditional big, which is essential to an offense run by Luka Doncic and LeBron James. LA also needs bench depth and a top two-way point-of-attack presence to make the trio of Doncic, James and Austin Reaves work.
The Lakers don't have many assets to fill those needs, either. They have one first-round pick to trade (2031) and five pick swaps, which won't be as valuable. They do have expiring contracts, but it's unlikely to move the needle if teams demand an overpay.
NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers might have to overpay for one of their prime targets
The Lakers are targeting Daniel Gafford, among other players, this offseason. Gafford is one of the realistic trade prospects because LA has the assets to work out a deal. However, it might not be that easy, considering he plays for the Dallas Mavericks, the franchise that traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
Dallas' brass faced violent fan reception ever since the trade until the team won the lottery odds in a draft led by Duke prospect Cooper Flagg. But the aftermath of the Doncic trade with LA could prompt general manager Nico Harrison to play hardball with the Lakers for Gafford.
Insider Jovan Buha believes that the Lakers might have to overpay for Gafford in a potential trade, parting ways with Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht and the 2031 first-round pick, possibly lottery-protected.
Considering Gafford is on an expiring deal and Nic Claxton is another realistic option, it might be a significant price to pay for the Lakers.