The Los Angeles Lakers have been on the hunt for a veteran center since last season. After their unsuccessful attempt to land Mark Williams, the team turned its attention to Brook Lopez and Deandre Ayton. However, Lopez was swiftly taken off the market when the Milwaukee Bucks traded him to the Los Angeles Clippers on the opening day of free agency.
According to Brett Siegel of The Athletic, the Lakers have now shifted focus toward Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns. Siegel reported that the Lakers are “actively exploring the trade market” for the star center.
“The Lakers have held talks with Phoenix about a Nick Richards trade, league sources told @ClutchPoints. LA was a team listed by @MikeAScotto as having interest in Richards. Team has also called about potential Yves Missi and Robert Williams III trades with NOP & POR,” Siegel reported.
The Lakers have held talks with Phoenix about a Nick Richards trade, league sources told @ClutchPoints.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 2, 2025
LA was a team listed by @MikeAScotto as having interest in Richards.
Team has also called about potential Yves Missi and Robert Williams III trades with NOP & POR.
Meanwhile, the Lakers did make one acquisition on the first day of free agency. They signed forward Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million deal. However, this move does little to address their need for a veteran presence at center.
Los Angeles Lakers Eye Al Horford As Veteran Option For Frontcourt Depth
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly showing serious interest in veteran big man Al Horford. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Lakers are among the teams actively considering a move for Horford, alongside the Golden State Warriors.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“Sources tell me and @DanWoikeSports that Al Horford is also under serious consideration by the Lakers (in addition to the Warriors). As he says below, this might take some time,” Amick wrote on X.
Horford is coming off a modest season with the Boston Celtics. He played a vital role off the bench last season, averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. While those numbers don’t leap off the page, his value lies in the experience that the Lakers have been craving for their frontcourt rotation.
Also Read: LeBron James Set To Rewrite NBA History: 3 Records The Lakers Star Could Break In The 2025-26 Season
