Lakers exploring options for a potential trade including former Kentucky star center.
The Los Angeles Lakers have retained the bulk of their roster from last season, with new head coach JJ Redick at the helm. However, a key question mark remains regarding the center position. Anthony Davis has made it clear that he prefers to play more at power forward, yet he is expected to start at center.
On Monday, ClutchPoints reported that the Lakers have expressed interest in several potential trade targets this summer. One player frequently mentioned is Charlotte Hornets center and former Kentucky Wildcats star Nick Richards.
Richards would provide valuable rim protection and rebounding, whether playing alongside Davis or competing with Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood off the bench.
Richards hasn’t yet found a consistent role in the NBA, but he has proven to be an effective source of production for the Hornets, and the Lakers likely wouldn’t need to give up much to bring him to Los Angeles.
Entering his fifth season in the league, Richards has averaged 17.0 minutes per game, contributing 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, while maintaining an impressive 66.1% field goal percentage and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Last season, while starting a handful of games, he had his best performance yet, averaging 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.4 steals.
Oct 8, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) is fouled on his way to the rim by Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) and center Thomas Bryant (31) during the second half at Spectrum Center.
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
While it’s uncertain whether he would significantly impact the Lakers’ success, he offers a reliable double-double potential, which is precisely what the team needs as they look to bolster their frontcourt.