The Los Angeles Lakers have had ample time and opportunity to find the interior help that Anthony Davis has long requested. Since 2023, Davis has been asking to spend more time at power forward. However, the Lakers missed their chance at the perfect player to complement Davis, allowing him to be traded to the rival Phoenix Suns, where he’s already making the Lakers look bad for their indecision.
Before joining Phoenix, Nick Richards seemed like the ideal trade target for the Lakers. He was set to earn just $10 million between 2024-2026, and the Charlotte Hornets had little leverage in trade talks, given their clear preference for Mark Williams as their starting center. But it was the Suns, not the Lakers, who acted on the opportunity to acquire Richards. Now, the Lakers are left with a void at the center position.
Since arriving in Phoenix, Richards has excelled, starting six of seven games and producing exactly what the Lakers would’ve hoped for. His performance has even included a level of interior dominance not seen in Los Angeles for some time, except from Davis.
So far in the 2024-2025 season, Richards is averaging 9.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 offensive boards, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks in just 22 minutes per game. His per-36-minute stats are even more impressive, with 15.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, 4.1 offensive boards, 1.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks.
In his seven games with Phoenix, Richards has posted 11.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.9 offensive boards in 25.1 minutes per game. These numbers would make him the fifth-highest scorer, second in rebounding and blocks, and first in offensive boards for the Lakers.
But it’s not just his consistency that should have the Lakers regretting their decision; it’s the high-level performances Richards has already delivered. In his debut game with the Suns, he scored 21 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had four offensive boards in a win against the Detroit Pistons. He followed that up with an eight-point, 15-rebound, four-offensive-board game against the Brooklyn Nets, and then posted 20 points, 19 rebounds, and a block against the Washington Wizards. Just six days later, he registered 14 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks against the Golden State Warriors.
Such production has been rare for the Lakers, exclusive mostly to Davis. While no one else has been expected to perform at that level regularly, Richards has proven himself to be a reliable rebounder, rim protector, and positive influence on the court—all for just $5 million per season.
The Suns traded three second-round picks and even received one back from the Hornets to acquire Richards. Now, the Lakers can’t help but regret passing on this opportunity.
