The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked with a string of big men ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. JJ Redick’s team is short on depth at the center position. Both Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood have failed to prove they can be long-term solutions off the bench.

Davis hasn't just given the front office a directionless mandate to improve the team — he has ideas on how it should be done, namely that the Lakers trade for a center so that he can slide to the 4, which he has long stated is his preferred position. Rob Pelinka, I hope you're listening.

This mock trade would give the Lakers not only a serviceable starting center next to Anthony Davis, but one who could be a game-changer.

The proposed trade would send the floor-spacing center to the Los Angeles Lakers to pair with Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

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.

Los Angeles Lakers are still searching for a way to balance their roster and build a true contender around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. One potential move that has been thrown in the air is trading for veteran guard CJ McCollum,