The wide net being cast by the Lakers in their search for a new center includes a trio of young bigs in Nick Richards, Yves Missi and Robert Williams III.
While the Lakers have not made any moves just yet at the center position, that doesn’t mean work isn’t being done.
It appears they have been working the phone behind the scenes in search of a trade, including calling on a trio of young centers, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
The Lakers have held talks with Phoenix about a Nick Richards trade, league sources told @ClutchPoints.
LA was a team listed by @MikeAScotto as having interest in Richards.
Team has also called about potential Yves Missi and Robert Williams III trades with NOP & POR.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 2, 2025
Richards was traded to the Suns last season after spending the beginning of his career in Charlotte. Between the two teams, he averaged 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 22 minutes per game while shooting 59.1% from the field. That efficiency was actually a career low as he is a career 64% shooter.
Missi is an intriguing young player. Drafted four spots after Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft, Missi is a bouncy big man who averaged 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. Nearly 30% of his field goal attempts were dunks as he finished with 116 in 73 games while averaging 26.8 minutes per contest.
Williams is the most familiar name of the three for Lakers fans. He has been a player fans and the front office have had their eye on for some time. When he plays, he’s exactly the type of big man the team wants as an athletic big who can block shots and catch lobs.
However, only once in his career has he played more than 52 games and, in five of his seven seasons, he hasn’t even reached 40 games played. He would come with big question marks about his durability and would be a high-risk, high-reward signing.
Considering the different overall profiles of the three players, the Lakers are exploring all their options. The question now will be whether they can get one of these deals over the finish line and get a center back on the team’s roster.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on BlueSky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.