The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing a potential trade involving Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards, and the deal is likely to involve three teams. Richards, a rising talent known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and physical presence in the paint, could be the key to adding more depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt. However, in order to acquire him, the Lakers may need to bring in a third team to facilitate the deal and make the financials work.
Why Nick Richards Fits with the Lakers
Nick Richards has shown flashes of potential as an athletic rim protector and rebounder during his time with the Hornets. Standing at 7 feet tall, Richards would offer the Lakers a strong presence in the paint, particularly in backup minutes behind Anthony Davis or in certain lineups where AD can slide to power forward. His ability to protect the rim, crash the boards, and finish in the pick-and-roll would provide the Lakers with the interior defense and energy they’ve been seeking to solidify their rotation.
With the Lakers often needing more size and athleticism in the paint, Richards would be a solid addition who can give them quality minutes, especially during the regular season, while keeping Davis fresh for crucial moments. He’s also still developing, so under the Lakers’ coaching staff, he could further refine his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, particularly on the defensive end.
Why a 3-Team Trade Makes Sense
For the Lakers to land Nick Richards, a direct trade with the Hornets might be difficult due to salary matching and roster constraints. The Lakers have several tradeable assets but may need to involve a third team to facilitate the deal, either to absorb salaries or provide additional assets that Charlotte would find appealing.
Here’s how a 3-team trade could benefit each party involved:
- Lakers: By acquiring Nick Richards, the Lakers add size, rebounding, and rim protection to their roster. This addresses one of their key weaknesses while not having to give up core pieces. A third team would likely help the Lakers balance the financial aspect of the trade or contribute assets that Charlotte values more.
- Hornets: Charlotte might not have long-term plans for Richards as they develop their younger players. By moving him, they could gain draft picks, young players, or other assets that better fit their rebuilding strategy. A third team could send valuable assets that the Hornets find more attractive than what the Lakers are offering directly.
- Third Team: A third team in the deal could benefit by receiving expiring contracts or players that fill their own roster needs. This team might be looking to offload a contract or receive picks to aid in their own team-building process.
Possible Trade Scenarios
There are several potential ways this 3-team trade could come together. One possibility is that the Lakers could send a combination of draft picks or tradeable contracts to the third team, who then provides the Hornets with additional assets like young players or expiring deals. Alternatively, the Lakers could use a third team to help with salary-matching mechanics, especially if Richards’ salary isn’t a direct fit with the contracts the Lakers are willing to move.
The Hornets may also have interest in players from a third team, such as a young guard or forward who fits into their rebuilding plan. The third team might benefit from moving a player who isn’t fitting into their current rotation or strategy, in exchange for assets from the Lakers or Hornets.
What This Means for the Lakers
If the Lakers successfully pull off this trade, they would be able to shore up their frontcourt with a young, athletic big man in Nick Richards. His defensive capabilities would give the Lakers more flexibility in their lineups, allowing them to deploy different looks depending on matchups. This could be particularly useful in the playoffs, where interior defense and rebounding become even more crucial.
Richards’ development alongside Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and the Lakers’ coaching staff could unlock further potential, and his contract would likely be manageable within the team’s cap structure. The Lakers are still in “win-now” mode with LeBron’s window closing, so making a move for a player like Richards aligns with their strategy of maximizing their chances at a championship.
Final Thoughts
A three-team trade involving Nick Richards would be a smart move for the Lakers as they continue to look for ways to add depth and improve their roster for a deep playoff run. While the specifics of such a deal are still up in the air, the Lakers’ front office should explore every possible avenue to make it happen. If they can secure Richards, the Lakers will be one step closer to solidifying their interior defense and becoming an even more formidable team in the Western Conference. Keep an eye on this potential deal as the trade deadline approaches!
