The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be zeroing in on a clear roster blueprint as they continue building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Lakers plan to use a proven strategy that has already helped Luka reach the Finals.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Lakers want to build another version of the Dallas Mavericks with Luka and Reaves at the center.
“They just really wanna make Dallas 2.0. I think they feel they can succeed with a backcourt of Luka and Austin Reaves…if they get the right type of players in that front court.”
Mannix pointed to the model used around Doncic, referencing players like Dereck Lively II, P. J. Washington, and Dorian Finney-Smith as examples of the types of role players who fit best alongside a heliocentric offensive star.
The Lakers want to make Dallas 2.0 this offseason 👀
"They feel like they can succeed with a backcourt of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves…if they can get the right type of players in the frontcourt." – @SIChrisMannix@MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/uaSL2CSn7J
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 4, 2026
The Dereck Lively Archetype
Lively represents the rim-running center prototype who thrives alongside a playmaker like Doncic. His offensive role is simple but extremely effective: set hard screens, dive to the rim, and finish lobs. That vertical spacing forces defenses to collapse toward the paint, opening passing lanes and creating clean looks for perimeter shooters.
On defense, Lively uses his size and timing to protect the rim and anchor the paint behind the guards. He can make a big impact without needing the ball, which fits well in a system where Doncic and Reaves handle most of the offense.
Players that fit that profile are Nic Claxton, Mitchell Robinson, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The P.J. Washington and DFS Model
Another important part of the Lakers’ plan is having versatile forwards who play well on both ends. Washington and Finney-Smith did this by guarding different positions, spreading the floor, and helping out without getting in the way of the offense.
Washington brings size, tough defense, and extra scoring as a forward. Finney-Smith is known as a classic 3-and-D player, guarding top shooters and hitting open three-pointers. Players like these help keep the defense strong and give Dončić the space he needs to run the offense.
Other players who fit this style are Quentin Grimes, Dean Wade, Peyton Watson, and Andrew Wiggins.
Daniel Gafford as a Possibility
Daniel Gafford has been linked to the Lakers before and is again listed as a possibility to reunite with Luka. Like Lively, Gafford is a rim-running center who protects the paint and finishes plays near the basket. He sets screens, rolls to the rim, and catches lob passes, which works well with a playmaker like Doncic.
Gafford’s defense and rebounding help strengthen the interior, letting the guards put more pressure on the ball. If the Lakers keep following this “Dallas 2.0” plan, a center like Gafford is the kind of player the front office would want.
Bottom Line
The Lakers seem to be focusing less on chasing stars and more on building a balanced team. If they stick to the “Dallas 2.0” plan, they’ll look for rim-protecting centers and versatile wings who fit with Doncic and Reaves. Getting players who can defend, shoot, and play well without needing the ball could be the key to making the Lakers a contender soon.
