1 overreaction trade The Lakers need to target as Austin Reaves becomes a superstar

ByNBAUSA



The Los Angeles Lakers they have already undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in recent NBA memory. The substitution of Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic signaled a philosophical shift away from the identity of power and defense that has defined the Lakers since 2020. Luka’s arrival meant something entirely different: the offense would now be driven by elite play, perimeter creation, pacing and scoring versatility.

The Lakers didn’t wait long to reinforce that shift either. By acquiring DeAndre Ayton, they doubled down on an offensive-minded frontcourt, relying on touch, size and scoring rather than intimidation and interior dominance.

But even with these bold moves, something still feels unfinished. The Lakers have added great offensive talent, but they’re missing the one thing that championship teams need more than anything else: reliable rim protection that can hold up under playoff pressure. And that’s where the next move comes into focus.

If the Lakers are going to fully embrace the version of themselves they are building, Daniel Gafford is the overreaction trade they have to aim for.

Daniel Gafford is the missing defensive anchor for this new Lakers identity

DeAndre Ayton is not Anthony Davis. That’s not a criticism, just the truth. Where Davis was defined by instinctive defensive rotations, tremendous length and the ability to erase mistakes that no scheme could fully prevent, Ayton plays defense largely through positioning and anticipation.

He is reactive rather than imposing. He is mobile in the fold, is capable of playing in coverage and is comfortable closing defensive possessions with rebounds. But he does not change the opposite drives. He does not turn away the fellers. Teams don’t hesitate when they see him waiting on the sidelines.

Daniel Gafford works.

Gafford plays defense in a way that changes the way opponents think, not just how they shoot. He challenges everyone around the basket. He is one of the best vertical defenders in the leaguethey control the space above the rim in a way that very few bigs do.

On offense, he doesn’t look for touches, isolations or post-ups. He inspects, dives, finishes the lobes and clears the area. He thrives alongside coverage-bending creators, and the Lakers have two of the best in the world at LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

Ayton gives the Lakers a center who can score and rebound. Gafford would give them a center who protects the paint and sets the tone physically. Together, they would form a rotation that would allow the Lakers to choose how they wanted to control the game, either through finesse or force. And in the playoffs, the ability to dictate identity is everything.

Austin Reaves cemented himself as the next star of the Lakers

While Luka and LeBron are drawing headlinesAustin Reaves has quietly and steadily transformed himself into the soul of this version of the Lakers. What started as an undrafted player finding a role has evolved into something much more significant.

Reaves has become a tie-up star, a possession-smoothing player when Luka slows down the pace or LeBron watches matchups. He scores when the team needs a release valve. He initiates when defenses lean. Reads leverage and thoughtfully rotates on defense.

More importantly, Reaves has reached the level where his presence is shapes how opponents defend the Lakers. They can no longer afford to hide non-defenders on him. They can’t drop him off the dribble. He earned the respect of the scouting report in full, the way coaches pause film and tell their players, “Don’t go easy on him.”

This upside is what makes the Gafford trade urgent. Reaves can now legitimately be the third star on a championship lineup, not because of the narrative hype, but because of the consistency of his production. However, guardians carrying heavy creations need protection behind them.

They need confidence that when they rush across the screen, someone is waiting to challenge the rim. Reeves’ leap is not the only reason to praise him. That is the reason to strengthen the team around him.

If the Lakers want Reaves to blossom into the star he’s become, they need to make sure he’s supported defensively, structurally and physically. Gafford gives them that foundation.

Can the Lakers get this deal done?

The good news for the Lakers is that this trade is entirely doable. Dallas is evaluating its roster after a disappointing start, and Gafford is in that category of player whose value is more clear to contenders than to teams that are rebuilding. The Lakers have a clear need, a clear fit and a timeline that requires them to optimize the roster immediately.

LeBron is still great, but time only goes one way. Luka is entering a phase where the formation of the list determines whether they will rise to the championship rank. Reeves’ breakthrough cannot be lost. Ayton’s offensive strengths shouldn’t be negated by asking him to shoulder defensive responsibilities he’s never consistently embraced.

The Lakers have already made their bold moves. Now they need their balancing act. Daniel Gafford is not a star. It is something more necessary: ​​the final structural piece.

If the Lakers are serious about competing now, this is an overreaction that isn’t an overreaction at all.





2025-11-10 04:53:00

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