The NBA trade deadline is just weeks away and teams have started to put themselves into position to make a splash. One team that is expected to be very active ahead of the deadline is the Los Angeles Lakers.

Los Angeles has competed well this year but is at least one piece short from truly being dangerous in the Western Conference. But in this new trade scenario, the Lakers get the missing piece and round their roster out into form.

The trade would be between the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, landing center Daniel Gafford in Los Angeles.

Using the Spotrac trade machine, here is what a deal could look like:

Lakers receive: Daniel Gafford Mavericks Receive: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick If this deal was on the table, the Lakers would likely run to the phone to make it happen.

Gafford could seriously help Los Angeles this season and would give them another big to use in the frontcourt.

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. Gafford does all the little things well and could serve the Lakers strongly.

The veteran center is scheduled to make $13.3 million this season and $14.3 million next year.

His contract would fit in the Lakers salary cap well and could give them some flexibility down the line. It’s a team-friendly deal for a player who could play a large role down the stretch of the season. For the year, Gafford has averaged 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game.

Gafford doesn’t space the floor but having him on the court could help open things up for the Lakers with Davis. Davis wouldn’t have to stay inside the painted area and instead could work on the perimeter.

Gafford could man the middle and he would give Los Angeles one of the best frontcourt duos in the NBA.

It remains to be seen if Dallas would even trade Gafford but for the right price, any player is likely available.

This trade could change the trajectory of the Lakers’ season and vault them more toward true contention in the West.