After the first official day of NBA free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers lost forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets and added 23-year-old forward Jake LaRavia. But they still have a gaping hole at the center position, and almost no options remaining to fill it.
The one available free agent fans are pining for is Deandre Ayton, who agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Ayton may or may not come, and if he doesn’t come, the Lakers will truly have their backs against the wall as far as improving at the center spot.
One other possible solution at the 5 could be Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns. The Suns recently agreed to trade for both Mark Williams and incoming rookie Khaman Maluach, which seems to make Richards the odd man out.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Lakers are one team that has interest in trading for Richards.
“Richards has a $5 million non-guaranteed salary for the 2025-26 season expected to be guaranteed by the Suns, which will give the team the ability to trade him,” Scotto wrote.
“Richards has drawn trade interest from several teams, including the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told HoopsHype.”
The 27-year-old big man averaged 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 22.0 minutes a game this past season. He was traded to the Suns by the Charlotte Hornets back in January.
He could give Los Angeles help on the boards and perhaps some occasional rim protection and baskets off lob passes.