As the Phoenix Suns search for ways out of their devastating predicament, the Los Angeles Lakers must not be afraid to call and ask about the availability of center Nick Richards. It's a move that would not only enable Los Angeles to instantly upgrade its weakest position, but one that could be completed for a reasonable cost.
If the Lakers find that a trade is the optimal path toward improvement, then adding Richards would be the most ideal outcome.
Richards was an obvious option for the Lakers ahead the 2025 NBA trade deadline, but the wheels never seemed to be put in motion on a deal with the Charlotte Hornets. The Phoenix Suns beat the Lakers to the punch, and while their season ended in disappointment, Richards was a standout performer.
Thankfully, the Suns' inability to string together wins has resulted in Kevin Durant being made available in trade discussions and the early stages of a roster blowup taking shape.
If that transpires, then the Lakers should be able to make a fair offer for Richards during the 2025 offseason. Doing so would enable the team to address some of its most glaring flaws, including the simple fact that it lacks a starting-caliber center on its roster.
Other moves will likely follow, but if the Lakers manage to acquire Richards, a weakness would become a strength overnight.
Lakers must attempt to trade for Suns center Nick Richards
Richards finished the 2024-25 regular season averaging 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, and 1.0 block in just 22.7 minutes per game. Those numbers translate to marks of 15.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, 4.2 offensive boards, and 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes.
For what it's worth: Jaxson Hayes averaged 12.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes during the 2024-25 campaign.
In addition to providing a significant statistical upgrade in multiple phases of the game, Richards ranks among the best rebounders in the NBA. He ranked No. 13 among players who appeared in at least 50 games in defensive rebounding percentage and No. 16 in offensive rebounding percentage.
The Lakers, meanwhile, ranked No. 21 in defensive rebounding percentage and No. 23 in offensive rebounding percentage as a team—as well as No. 27 in second-chance points per game.
As far as his fit for the rim-running role is concerned, Richards would be a dream target for Doncic. Among players who saw at least 50 games of action, he ranked No. 13 in the NBA in points per game via the pick-and-roll.
A 7'0" and 245-pound center with a 7'2.25" wingspan and the fluid athleticism to set screens and make plays around the rim, Richards has the tools to be an excellent fit.
On the other end of the floor, Richards forced opponents to shoot 3.6 percent worse within six feet of the basket and caused a 1.3 percent decline within 10 feet. He also has an expiring $5 million contract that would be easily incorporated into the Lakers' cap table.
The question is: Will the Lakers take the action this coming summer that they failed to during the regular season and make Richards their affordable resolution?