We’d love to, we tried, but we’d love to, at some point, get another five man, a big bruising five man.” Amid Rob Pelinka’s inability to add any big-name free agents this summer, JJ Redick made it clear that the Lakers desperately need a Center. Well, there were murmurs about making a move for Jonas Valanciunas, but the popular GM failed in his pursuit. Moreover, that void has been evident so far as the Purple and Gold have lost two of their first three preseason games. Understanding the need of the hour, the Lakers’ front office even targeted Hornets big man Nick Richards as a potential backup for Anthony Davis.
Among the multiple available players that Pelinka showed interest in during the off-season, Richards is rumored to be one of those names. While he is only 4 years into his NBA tenure, the big man has constantly improved his game each year. Just last season, he averaged a career-high 9.7 points. But what might have intrigued the Lakers most is his ability to grab rebounds and protect the paint.
Averaging his career-best 8 boards last season, Nick Richards turned a lot of heads. And he even blocked over one shot attempt per game. As of now, Anthony Davis has made both his preseason appearances as the starting center. However, it is public knowledge that The Brow does not prefer playing at that position and has even expressed his desire to play alongside more traditional big men.
Nick Richards, as a source told Clutch Points, could be that guy for the Lakers, especially after they missed out on Jonas Valanciunas because he signed a three-year $30 million deal with the Wizards earlier this summer. And veteran insider Trevor Lane even hinted that Rob Pelinka was the responsible party for blocking himself out of Valanciunas’ move to LA, with an underwhelming offer.
“To say, he [Valančiūnas] opted for more guaranteed money with Washington’s deal, which is only 2 years guaranteed and less than the mid-level, not even a full mid-level deal, less than the mid-level. Wouldn’t that then suggest that the Lakers offered to Valanciunas was perhaps 1 year guaranteed and a 2nd year non-guaranteed or 2nd-year team option or maybe just a partial guarantee on a second year?”
“The Lakers wouldn’t go to 2 years guaranteed, instead and the Washington deal, a 3-year deal with 2 years guaranteed at below MLE money was what beat the Lakers offered, my friends, that is madness!” Trevor Lane concluded. Maybe, a better offer from Rob Pelinka would have solved all problems for the Lakers. But now, they are stuck in a tough situation.
Nick Richards could help Rob Pelinka and Co. succeed, amidst JJ Redick’s major concern
Despite the Lakers’ lack of size, JJ Redick has faith in his squad, “You certainly have to look at what I think is actually a very good roster, a very balanced roster.” However, he understands that the current scenario in the NBA demands them to make an upgrade, “You look at the Western Conference right now, whether it’s Denver, Minnesota, OKC with what they added, certainly Memphis, they’re going to be back in the hunt, they added Zach Edey, certain matchups in the playoffs, you’re going to need a lot of size.”
via Imago
With players like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid constantly contending for MVP and the influx of young talent like Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey, the league has become full of elite Centers who can do it all on the court. And the Lakers need to match that if they want to compete for a title. Well, adding Nick Richards could be the first step in that direction, as he is a young and talented seven-footer with a versatile skill set. Even during the preseason, he has scored 17 points in 2 out of 3 games as the Hornets’ starting Center.
Most importantly, he only has $10 million left on his deal for 2 seasons, so Rob Pelinka would not have to give up many assets to make room. Adding him would allow AD to play at his favored Forward position more often. Do you think they should make a trade offer?