The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy in free agency despite their plan to maintain cap flexibility for the future. LeBron James picked up his player option and Jaxson Hayes was re-signed, however, Dorian Finney-Smith opted to join the Houston Rockets as the Lakers were reportedly unwilling to offer more than two years.
Los Angeles responded by adding Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart on two-year deals that allow them to keep their books open for the stacked 2027 class — where they are hoping to find a long-term running mate for Luka Dončić. Despite bringing Hayes back and adding Ayton, there were reports that the Lakers could look to trade for another big man.
While they were linked to Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards, Brett Siegel of Clutch Points revealed that the two sides have not discussed a deal in several weeks.
“There have also been zero recent trade conversations between the Suns and Lakers,” Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel tweeted Monday. “The two teams have not talked since before Ayton signed with Los Angeles, as the team had previously expressed interest in Nick Richards.”
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Richards is set to make $5 million in 2025-26 before becoming an unrestricted free agent following the season. He averaged 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in just 22.0 minutes per game while shooting 59.1% from the field.
The Lakers need for a center, however, has significantly diminished since the onset of free agent. Ayton figures to get the bulk of the minutes at the position, while Hayes is more than capable as a backup. Instead, Los Angeles will look to use their trade assets elsewhere. They are reportedly focused on adding another wing defender.
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