Here’s the latest on the Lakers’ center search targeting Nick Richards and Yves Missi, exploring trade rumors, fan reactions, and up-to-date moves (~1,000 words):
📌 1. Lakers Eyeing Nick Richards
🌟 The Candidate
- Nick Richards, 7′0″ center from the Charlotte Hornets (recently traded to the Phoenix Suns), stands out:
- Known for elite rebounding and rim protection.
- Per-36 stats with Phoenix show 15.2 pts, 13.4 rebs, 1.6 blks despite limited minutes (lakeshowlife.com).
- Career field-goal rate ~60%—benchmarked top‑5 league-wide in recent seasons .
- Contract: two years at about $5 M per season, making him a cost-effective target (si.com).
🔄 Trade Interest & Lakers Link
- Lakers internal discussions, alongside teams like NYK and IND, have emerged via Michael Scotto/HoopsHype (lakersnation.com).
- Hornets reportedly want two second-round picks for Richards, a low-risk price (lakeshowlife.com).
🤔 Fit Analysis
- Fits Lakers’ need for a physical backup behind Anthony Davis.
- Helps fix rebounding (team ranked low in offensive/defensive boards) and interior defense (si.com).
- Strengths: hustle, athleticism; but lacks floor-spacing or polished offensive skill—ideal complementary big (lakeshowlife.com).
🔥 Lakers’ Missed Opportunity
- Phoenix moved first—acquiring Richards and a 2nd-rounder for Josh Okogie and picks in January 2025 (si.com).
- Lakers reportedly regret not matching offer, given Richards’ immediate impact in Phoenix (lakeshowlife.com).
🗣️ Fan Reactions
- Lakers fans on Reddit overwhelmingly praise Richards as an ideal fit:
“Nick Richards is the exact player we need. One of the best shot blockers in the league … perfect fit next to AD.” (reddit.com)
- Hornets fans defend him:
“Maybe unpopular take but … impressed with Nick Richards. He’s rebounding the hell out of the ball … anchoring a much improved Hornets defense.” (reddit.com)
🏀 2. Prospect: Yves Missi
🌱 Who Is Missi?
- Yves Missi, 7′0″ Baylor standout, considered a raw but promising center with length, athleticism, and rebounding upside (reddit.com).
- Lakers reportedly put him in their top 10 board during the 2024 draft (reddit.com).
💬 Scouting Insights
- Reddit notes his energy, rebounding, passing ability, likening him to Clint Capela or Jarrett Allen in potential (reddit.com).
- But many see him as a long-term project, possibly not ready to contribute immediately (reddit.com).
🔍 3. Lakers’ Big-Man Strategy
🧩 A Multi-Pronged Approach
- Lakers are exploring multiple center targets: besides Richards and Missi, names like Robert Williams, Walker Kessler, Day’Ron Sharpe, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Day’Ron Sharpe have all been floated (yardbarker.com).
- Reds fans prefer a switchable defensive anchor—such as Kessler or Williams—for playoff readiness .
🔍 Why Centers Matter
- Anthony Davis operates best with a physical rim-protecting partner who frees him to roam defensively.
- Lakers struggled with undervalued centers like Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko, making depth a priority (sportingnews.com).
- A high-energy center like Richards aligns well—even if he’s a backup, he brings grit and defense.
📝 4. Trade Dynamics & Roster Fit
💼 Trade Cost & Salary
- Richards’ contract ($5M x2 years) is tradeable and affordable.
- Charlotte is believed to require just two second-round picks (lakersnation.com).
- Phoenix after acquiring Nathan Williams and drafting Khaman Maluach could be open to moving Richards again (lakersnation.com).
🔁 Lakers’ Possible Trade Packages
- SI suggested a hypothetical package: Jalen Hood-Schifino + Christian Wood + 2nd-round pick for Richards(si.com).
- Other proposals included role players and picks.
🧭 5. Outlook: What’s Next?
- Revisit Richards: Lakers could re-open trade talks now — Phoenix may flip him if they have surplus bigs.
- Draft Missi: As a developmental option, Missi offers upside but needs time before NBA-ready.
- Explore other targets: Kessler or Williams may be optimal, though likely costlier assets.
- Free agency: Lakers could still sign a center in summer.
✅ 6. Summary Table
| Player | Status | Lakers Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Richards | Hornets → Suns; strong rebounding & rim defense; $5M/yr × 2 yrs; valued at 2nd picks | Physical backup to AD; fans love energy and defense; missing offensive polish, but affordable upgrade |
| Yves Missi | Baylor prospect; drafted (by NOLA) as a project | High upside, athletic; needs development — not immediate help |
| Other Centers | Williams, Kessler, Valančiūnas etc. explored internally | Defense vs offense tradeoff; Williams/Kessler offer switchability but cost more |
🎯 Final Take
- Lakers’ priority for a defensive, physical backup has made Richards the frontrunner: proven production, affordable cap hit, and fan backing—but Phoenix grabbed him first.
- Missi remains a long-term project—on radar but not a near-term fix.
- Lakers are assessing multiple routes to improve the center position—trade, draft, or free agency, likely to pull the trigger soon.
Want a breakdown of Phoenix’s roster landscape, Lakers’ cap flexibility, or a scouting video for Missi or Richards? Just say the word!
