The Los Angeles Lakers may be going bargain-hunting on the trade market.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported Monday that the Lakers have expressed trade interest in center Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets. Siegel notes that the Lakers are among several NBA teams that have inquired about the 26-year-old Richards.
This news comes after Shams Charania of ESPN reported last week that the Lakers were looking at making an upgrade to their center position.
The seven-footer Richards has developed a reputation as an underrated energy piece. He averaged 9.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season for the Hornets and can block shots with his 7-foot-4 wingspan. Richards is really effective around the rim, too, posting an elite 69.1 field goal percentage in 2023-24.
With Richards under contract for just $5 million this season and $5 million next season, the Lakers may have something to work. With Jaxson Hayes having his limitations at center and Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood both sidelined with injuries to start the new season, the need at the five for the Lakers is pressing. Richards should also come much cheaper than this other center the Lakers are eyeing in that division.
