Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Gafford is exactly the kind of player the lakers need: a strong rebounder, a solid shot-blocker, and someone who can consistently finish around the rim.

LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets notched their first three-game winning streak of the season, defeating the visiting Dallas Mavericks 110-105 on Monday afternoon.

Dallas may be hesitant to trade with the Lakers but if Los Angeles added a first-round pick, even a protected one, a deal could be made. The Mavericks value Gafford but he seems to be one of the more expendable players on the roster, likely because they don't want to part with P.J. Washington.

LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets held on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-105.

Gafford is under contract for one season beyond 2024/25, with a $14.4MM guaranteed salary for ’25/26. He’s currently back in the Mavs’ starting lineup while Lively recovers a right ankle sprain, which will sideline him again on Friday vs. Oklahoma City.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets held on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-105 on Monday to extend their winning streak to a season-high three games.

The Dallas Mavericks had an early tip to start Martin Luther King Jr. Day against the Charlotte Hornets, entering the game wildly short-handed. Dallas was without Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, Quentin Grimes, Dante Exum, Dwight Powell, and Jaden Hardy, while Charlotte was missing Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, and Grant Williams.

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges looks to make a move against Dallas' Daniel Gafford in the Hornets' 110-105 win Monday at Spectrum Center. The victory was the Hornets' third straight and fourth in five games. The Hornets are on a three-game win streak.

LaMelo Ball slowed down in the third, scoring just two points, to bring his total to 22, but he now has six rebounds and seven assists. Miles Bridges has picked up the scoring slack, and is now up to 16 points, while Nick Smith Jr. scored eight straight for the Hornets, and is also now up to 16 points as well.

LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets held on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-105 on Monday to extend their winning streak to a season-high three games.