The Lakers haven’t made a move at center yet this offseason, but they’re working behind the scenes to change that. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the team has been active in trade discussions for several young big men, including Nick Richards of the Suns, Yves Missi of the Pelicans, and Robert Williams III of the Trail Blazers.
Richards, 27, split last season between Charlotte and Phoenix, averaging 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 22 minutes per game while shooting 59.1% from the field. Though that efficiency was his career low, he remains a reliable interior scorer and rebounder.
Missi, drafted just after Dalton Knecht in 2024, is an athletic center who averaged 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds as a rookie. He’s known for his leaping ability, finishing nearly 30% of his shots on dunks with 116 slams in 73 games.
Williams, familiar to Lakers fans, fits the mold of the athletic, defensive-minded center the team covets. However, durability has been a major issue: he’s played more than 52 games only once in his career and has missed extensive time in five of seven NBA seasons, making him a high-risk, high-reward target.
The Lakers’ interest in this trio shows they’re casting a wide net in their search for a new center. The question now is whether they can finalize a deal to bolster their frontcourt for the upcoming season.
Lakers Exploring Trades for Nick Richards, Yves Missi, and Robert Williams III
