Renewal! Goodbye Lakers, NBA Finals-level center

2025-06-25

Lakers-Rockets battle for talent
The Lakers are eyeing Adams, and as soon as the news came out, the Rockets acted quickly and quickly signed him a three-year contract extension worth a total of $39 million. As if they were afraid of more trouble, they acted cleanly and neatly, like they were grabbing a piece of cake that was about to be taken away by others.

Similarly, when the Lakers showed great interest in Gafford, the Mavericks also immediately tensed up their nerves. They seemed to sense the storm coming, and they quickly made a three-year commitment of about $54 million to this inside pillar. This is not just a contract, but more like a silent contest, quietly unfolding in the undercurrent of the league.

Long-term contract and trade deposit clause
A long-term contract spanning three seasons was quietly finalized, and the amount increased like a tide: starting from $17.25 million in the 26-27 season, climbing to $18.13 million in the 27-28 season, and then to $18.99 million in the 28-29 season, like a ladder rising step by step. There is a mystery hidden in this contract. A 5% trade deposit clause is like a sword of Damocles hanging over the head. It is now as high as $2.719 million. It is both a commitment to the future and a precaution against risks.

The rise of the inside pillar
The 26-year-old Gafford is 2.08 meters tall, and when he stretches his arms, he has an amazing length of 2.19 meters, as if he was born for the basket. In the regular season last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Although the data is not ostentatious, it is as solid as the carpentry work in the hands of an old craftsman. His shooting percentage is as high as 70.2%, and his true shooting percentage ranks second in the league, only slightly behind Allen. He is not the kind of shining star, but like a silent cornerstone, he firmly supports the team's inside line. Last year, it was with his dominance in the restricted area that the Mavericks made it all the way to the finals and became an indispensable puzzle piece for that team.

Lakers Miss Gafford
The Lakers missed Gafford, just like losing the last puzzle piece in a crucial battle. The existence of this inside giant could have supported the team and made the restricted area indestructible. If he wore a purple and gold jersey, the first round of the playoffs might not be so embarrassing, and he would not be reversed and eliminated when facing the Timberwolves. His absence is like missing a heavy hammer at a critical moment, which reduces the thickness and confidence of the entire lineup. For the Lakers, this is not only a tactical loss, but also a regret of failing to seize the turning point of fate.

Doncic wrote on social media: "Old friend, although we can't wear the Lakers' jerseys and fight side by side again, maybe we can meet again at the peak of the Slovenian men's basketball team." He used a tone that was almost casual, but he expressed his deep affection and expectations for his former partner. Just like an unfinished movie, the characters have changed scenes, but the story is still worth looking forward to.

Lakers' inside reinforcement dilemma
When Adams and Gafford fell into trouble one after another, the Lakers' inside reinforcement path became narrower and narrower. Now, there are only a few tall centers left for them to choose from, as if they are struggling on a gradually shrinking chessboard. At this moment, the only one who still has hope seems to be Claxton of the Nets.

Previously, an American reporter imagined that the Lakers might be willing to take out Hachimura, Knecht, Kleber and the 2031 first-round draft pick (protected by the top eight picks) in exchange for this flexible and defensive center. This is not only an exchange of chips, but also a bet on the future, looking for possible breakthroughs in uncertainty.

Center reinforcement options
If Croxton's next home is still undecided, then the 37-year-old Lopez and the 31-year-old Capela may be re-examined. These two centers have already entered the free market, and there is no need for complicated operations. They can be brought into the team with just a contract. Their experience is like old wine. Although they are not as sharp as teenagers, they are often more stable and reliable at critical moments. If the team wants to find a pillar who can shoulder the heavy responsibility in the interior, these two people may be the right reinforcement options.

Lakers' interior recruitment problem
The Lakers seem to be trying their best to find a center who can really support the interior, which is a few points more difficult than pursuing Doncic. It is not difficult to see that nowadays, truly reliable big men in the league are rare, and have become treasures that teams are vying to collect. They either hold on or offer a bargaining chip that is too high to be worth it. This scarcity makes every deal involving a high-quality inside player seem like a carefully planned game, which touches the hearts of countless people.

If the Lakers want to strengthen their inside line, they might as well use their brains and look to the future. Yang Hansen, a rising star, has the potential of a rising sun. If he can be recruited, he may become the mainstay of the team in the near future. Instead of waiting for opportunities, it is better to take the initiative and use draft picks in exchange for hope. Such a layout is more far-sighted than standing still in the current lineup. Of course, jokes aside, if the Lakers really have this intention, it is not a bad idea.

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