Who Should Lakers Really Trade For to Help LeBron, Luka Amid Rumors and Speculation?

The Los Angeles Lakers are 15-4 and sit second in the Western Conference, accomplishments they achieved mostly without LeBron James. That has not deterred rumors and speculation surrounding the team and potential trades it may make ahead of the deadline.

Clutch Points' Brett Siegel reported that, "Coincidentally enough, one of the teams with strong interest in [Dallas Mavericks center Daniel] Gafford dating back to last season is the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said."

Gafford is an intriguing add in that Deandre Ayton's play this season for Los Angeles has been strong. He is averaging 16 points per game, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, all while shooting 71 percent from the floor. He has been a revelation of sorts after a season of underwhelming ball in Portland last year.

The issue is that he missed time with a knee contusion at the end of November and, just over a week later, left Sunday's game with knee soreness.

As good as he has been, the knee issues that have already presented themselves this season are concerning and highlight the team's need for depth behind him.

Gafford is an excellent shooter from the field, with a career average of 70.1. His 9.4 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.4 assists will not blow anyone away but the current Maverick is a former teammate of Luka Dončić, so he knows how to play with the superstar and face of the Lakers' future.

The team has also been linked to Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat who, on paper, would be a great addition to a team already rolling early this season. At the same time, it threatens the cohesiveness that this squad has already experienced by messing with its chemistry.

For a team thriving because of its stars, finding a player like Gafford who can provide depth at key positions, instead of another star to add to mix will benefit the team and get it where it wants to be, especially in the dog days of spring, when injuries and fatigue set in.