Lakers rumors: Hornets' asking price makes Nick Richards perfect trade target

When healthy, the Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most compelling rotations in the NBA. Playmakers, shooters, shot creators, and defensive specialists round out a core that enabled Los Angeles to reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals and start the 2024-25 season on a high note.

Unfortunately, the missing ingredient from an otherwise complete collection of talent has been depth at center—a truth that's persisted for multiple seasons.

Thankfully, the Lakers have a growing list of options to consider on the trade front as they pursue an upgrade at the position. That includes a name that hasn't necessarily stolen headlines, but remains thoroughly intriguing and affordable: Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards.

According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Hornets are willing to trade Richards for at least two second-round draft picks—if starting center Mark Williams can get and stay healthy.

"Several executives around the league who spoke with HoopsHype believe it would take at least two second-round picks to pry Richards from Charlotte. In the eyes of those executives, however, an asterisk to that equation is the health of starting center Mark Williams, who has yet to play this season."

That's an affordable cost for a player who could fill a significant void that has unfortunately plagued the Lakers for seasons on end.

Lakers can reportedly acquire Nick Richards for two second-round picks

Richards doesn't have the name value of rumored Lakers trade targets such as Brook Lopez or Jonas Valanciunas, but he's an intriguing player to consider nonetheless. He's entering his prime at 27 years of age and has begun to emerge as a nightly threat for a double-double.

Thus far in 2024-25, Richards is averaging 12.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.6 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, and 2.6 blocks in 27.4 minutes per game.

That represents something of a statistical leap from the 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, and 1.1 blocks he averaged in 26.3 minutes per game in 2023-24. It's generally within reach of what he's consistently done, however, and thus implies his quality of play can be sustained.

In the event that Los Angeles were to acquire Richards, they'd thus be adding a player who checks all of the boxes in terms of what they need at the center position.

Standing at 7'0" and 245 pounds with a 7'2.25" wingspan, Richards is the big, bruising center that head coach JJ Redick has said the Lakers need. His presence on the offensive glass would go a long way toward helping Los Angeles improve upon its rankings of No. 25 in offensive rebounds and No. 22 in second-chance points.

Richards' defensive prowess could also help address the Lakers ranking No. 26 in points allowed in the paint and No. 23 in second-chance points allowed.

Richards has some limitations on offense, but his presence and production would fill several glaring voids in Los Angeles. He can provide the big-body presence the Lakers need to prevent physical bigs from imposing their will inside. He also offers two-way value with the type of production the team simply lacks beyond Davis.

Rounded out by the fact that he has two years and just $10 million remaining on his contract, Richards is affordable to acquire and keep on the books—a compelling combination the Lakers must consider.