As far as late­-season acquisitions go, this one is probably the best the Galaxy has pulled off.

The Galaxy begin Sunday in the heart of a playoff race in the Western Conference, and with forward Gyasi Zardes (foot), midfielder Steven Gerrard (hamstring) and defender Jelle Van Damme (knee) sidelined, the Galaxy went out and added their all-­time leader in goals scored and assists in Landon Donovan.

Donovan fills a roster spot the Galaxy had open after Nigel de Jong left for Galatasaray.

So, now comes the fun part. How does it all work?

“I think Landon is an easy player to play with,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “Once he gets on the field, they will have a good working relationship.”

Donovan and Robbie Keane were definitely in sync from 2011-­2014. They combined to score 83 goals in the regular season. Keane, who has missed the previous three games with a groin injury, said patience is the key, but he expects Donovan to contribute in some form quickly.

“It is only going to be a matter of time before we see his talent,” Keane said. “It’s obviously been a long time he’s been out. We also don’t know where he is in terms of fitness. …

“It is going to take him a few weeks to get up to swing of things, but we have people here that can certainly help him do that. It is nice to have him back and if he can help the team as he’s done in the past, I think it is only going to be a plus for the L.A. Galaxy. It was unexpected, but he’s now and we’re excited to have him.”

Arena said there’s a chance that Donovan will be available for Sunday’s game day roster against Orlando City SC (4 p.m.; StubHub Center).

Donovan’s addition should help a team that’s been mired in a tough stretch. The Galaxy have just one victory in their last eight games.

“Anything he can give us in a positive manner is a plus,” Arena said. “Knowing Landon, at his worst, he’s not going to be a liability. At his best, he’s going to be an asset.”

Forward Alan Gordon started his career with the Galaxy in 2004. He played with Donovan from 2005­-2010, before returning for the 2014 season.

He’s expecting the best from his friend.

“He’s never shown anybody any reason to doubt him and I’m certainly not,” Gordon said. “I’m really excited and I think he comes back with a fresh perspective on things and he’s going to be hungry to get after it.

“I see a guy that’s refreshed and pretty clear on why he’s out here. A motivated guy that’s going to do anything he can to help the team.”

Giovani dos Santos, who is wearing Donovan’s No. 10 jersey, said he’s looking forward to the opportunity of stepping on the field with Donovan.

“For me, it’s a dream come true to play with the best player in the history of the United States and the history of this club,” dos Santos said. “To be able to play alongside Landon for me is going to be an honor.”

ORLANDO CITY SC at L.A. GALAXY

Kickoff: 4 p.m. at StubHub Center

TV/Radio: Fox Sports 1; KWKW/1330

Update: Orlando City SC entered the weekend in the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference (34 points). The second­-year expansion club has won two consecutive games, 2-­1 against New York City FC (Aug. 28) and last week against Montreal (4-­1). Orlando City SC is expected to have Cyle Larin (Canada) and Kevin Molino (Trinidad and Tobago) back after international duty. Larin has 13 goals. Brazilian Kaka has eight goals and eight assists. Molino has scored nine goals. The teams met last year with Orlando City winning 4-­0. Robbie Keane (groin) said he’s fit and ready to play.