The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring a trade to acquire LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets to resolve their point guard issues. The proposed deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to have a relatively quiet NBA trade deadline, but this mock trade could bolster their title hopes.

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 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.

They have two future first-round draft picks and two second-round picks they can include in a potential trade before the deadline. On a recent episode of "Buha's Block," The Athletic insider Jovan Buha said he feels the team is trending toward making a smaller move rather than a bigger one (h/t Lakers Daily ).