“I wish they would respect [Kyrie Irving] and give him a couple more calls under the basket. He’s a great finisher around the rim but he’s gonna end up getting hurt because of how many guys put him on the floor,” Gafford stated.

The Mavericks, as The Athletic reported earlier this month, have expressed interest in conversations with rival teams about acquiring an impact perimeter defender. Dallas, according to

This mock trade involving the Lakers and two other teams would give the Purple and Gold a very good all-around center who is reportedly now avaialble.

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.

Gafford recorded 31 points (12-15 FG, 7-7 FT), 15 rebounds, three assists, six blocks and one steal over 34 minutes during Monday's 110-105 loss to the Hornets.

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.

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.

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch is asking for more production from center Rudy Gobert ahead of the team's matchup against the host Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

The Dallas Mavericks have been feeling it ever since Luka Doncic went down with a calf injury. However, former Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons isn't a fan of what he is seeing. He explained on the Run It Back Show on FanDuel TV how much worse the team looks without Doncic than with him.

Monday brought plenty of developments for fantasy managers. Dan Titus covers the top performances, duds and adds to consider.

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.