In a bold hypothetical four-team blockbuster trade proposed by ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers could dramatically reshape their roster — even without acquiring a marquee star like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Under the proposed deal, the Lakers would receive Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors and center Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks. In return, they’d part ways with fan-favorite guard Austin Reaves, veteran Gabe Vincent, and a 2030 first-round pick swap.
ESPN Includes Los Angeles Lakers In 4-Team Trade Idea
Golden State Warriors get: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Los Angeles Lakers get: Draymond Green, Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks get: Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick (via L.A.), 2025 second-round pick (No. 41)
Milwaukee Bucks get: Austin Reaves, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga (via sign-and-trade), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Maxi Kleber, 2029 first-round pick (via Warriors), 2031 first-round pick (via Golden State), 2030 first-round swap (with L.A.)
On paper, the Lakers wouldn’t land the biggest name in the deal — that would be Giannis, who heads to Golden State in this scenario — but they would dramatically shift the identity of their team. Adding Green gives the Lakers a defensive anchor and veteran leader with championship pedigree, whose intensity and basketball IQ would complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Gafford, meanwhile, brings rim protection and athleticism, potentially giving L.A. a more reliable presence at the five.
Lakers have reportedly been targeting Gafford as a solution at center, viewing him as an ideal fit alongside new franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić. Gafford, who played with Dončić in Dallas, offers a combination of rim protection, physicality, and elite finishing—shooting 70.2% from the field while averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in the 2024-25 season. His familiarity with Dončić’s style could ease the transition and enhance team chemistry, making him a natural target as the Lakers seek to reinforce their interior defense and address a glaring need in the frontcourt.
The price, however, is steep. Reaves has emerged as a key contributor, showing growth as both a playmaker and scorer, and is one of the few young assets L.A. has developed. Losing him — along with a first-round swap in 2030 — would mark a significant sacrifice for a team still balancing its win-now ambitions with long-term flexibility.
From L.A.’s perspective, this deal isn’t about star-hunting — it’s about stability, defense, and fit. Draymond’s prior links to the Lakers have long fueled speculation, and in this proposal, his arrival would be paired with Gafford’s youth and upside.
While Antetokounmpo-to-Golden State would steal headlines, the Lakers’ involvement is about rounding out a roster that too often leans on its stars to do everything. Whether that’s worth giving up Reaves is the real debate — and one that would spark passionate reactions across Laker Nation.