Lakers, Suns Have Reportedly Discussed Nick Richards Trade Amid Horford, Ayton Rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to add depth to the frontcourt this offseason, and they reportedly have their eye on a Phoenix Suns big man.

Per ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, the Lakers have held trade discussions regarding Suns center Nick Richards.

Richards spent the second half of the 2024-25 season with the Suns after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets in January in return for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.

In 36 games with the Suns, he put up 9.5 points and 8.6 boards while playing 22.7 minutes per contest. He started in all but two of his games in Phoenix.

Richards, a former second-round pick, spent the first five and a half years of his career in Charlotte. Though far from an All-NBA caliber center, Richards has developed into a solid option off the bench over the past few seasons.

The Suns have plenty of depth at the center position after trading for Hornets' big man Mark Williams on draft night, before later selecting Duke star Khaman Maluach with the 10th pick.

Considering Phoenix's surplus of centers, the Lakers might be able to get Richards at a reasonably affordable price.

One of the biggest needs for Los Angeles this offseason is depth at the center position, and the team seemingly has its eyes on a few options. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Tuesday that free agent Al Horford is "under serious consideration" by the Lakers. Dan Woike of The Athletic reported Monday that Deandre Ayton, who recently had his Portland Trail Blazers contract bought out, is on Los Angeles' radar.

But while the Lakers look to improve the roster by adding a big man, they reportedly won't be spending big this offseason. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported Monday that the team is looking to preserve cap space during this year's free agency as it prepares to sign a max free agent in 2027.