Rob Pelinka isn't running from the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need to improve at center. The franchise struggled to supplement Anthony Davis' All-NBA talent and inevitably failed to generate the adequate level of consistency once he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024-25.
In the aftermath of Pelinka's latest comments and the 2025 NBA Draft, it's become abundantly clear who the Lakers should and likely will be calling: The Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles and Phoenix are both preparing for a period of free agency that will see them look to redefine their vision. The Suns are attempting to overcome the departure of Kevin Durant, while the Lakers have a massive void to fill at center.
According to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times, Pelinka has directly acknowledged that the Lakers will be aggressive in their pursuit of improvement at center.
Rob Pelinka says C position will clearly be a focus as the Lakers head into free agency.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 27, 2025
Pelinka continued, stating that Los Angeles has already been active in its efforts to add quality interior play—and that it will not accept failure.
Pelinka said the Lakers have been "super active" in calls as they "turn over every stone" in hunt for C. Focus turns from draft to free agency "and we won't rest until we get it right."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 27, 2025
With this in mind, it's become abundantly clear that the Lakers' pursuit of new talent at center will bring it to Suns big man Nick Richards.
Nick Richards is a cost-efficient option for Lakers to add depth at center
Phoenix was as active as any team in the Association at the 2025 NBA Draft. It selected former Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach at No. 10 overall and completed a trade for former Lakers target Mark Williams, giving up two first-round picks in the deal.
With two centers acquired with significant assets, it's safe to assume that the Suns' third center on the depth chart, Richards, will be available in trade talks.
Richards, 27, is a strong talent on a cost-efficient expiring contract worth just $5 million. He also plays for a Phoenix team that has removed any element of leverage it may have once had by adding two centers who pushed the big man far down the depth chart.
Without an ideal way to play Richards alongside either Maluach or Williams, the Suns have backed themselves into a corner and will likely be trading the former Kentucky star for pennies on the dollar.
That should be music to the Lakers' ears as they look to balance a move for a starting-caliber big with an effort to create ideal depth. Richards at least represents the latter opportunity as a high-level rebounder who can provide valuable production.
In 2024-25, Richards ranked No. 11 in the NBA in rebounding percentage, No. 13 in offensive rebounding percentage, and No. 16 in defensive rebounding percentage.
Furthermore, he averaged 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block in just 22.6 minutes per game—translating to 15.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes. He also posted 16 double-doubles, which far exceeds the two that 2024-25 Lakers starter Jaxson Hayes managed.
If the Lakers can add Richards and still find another high-level big in either free agency or via another trade, then they can take a significant step forward at center in 2025-26.