Lakers address backup center needs
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring options to bolster their center position, with Nick Richards emerging as a potential solution for the backup role. The team recently acquired Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade deal, aiming to provide Luka Doncic with a starting center. However, the focus has now shifted to securing a reliable backup, as current signing Kevon Looney is seen as better suited for a third-string position at this stage of his career.
Richards, who has been previously linked to the Lakers, is currently available on the open market. Bringing him to Los Angeles could offer him a new opportunity to play alongside Doncic. Over his six years in the NBA, Richards has demonstrated skills as a lob threat and rebounder, which are considered valuable assets for playing with Doncic.
Richards’ fit and potential impact
During the past season, Richards played 48 games across stints with the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls. He averaged 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 51.2 percent from the field. While he may not be a primary rim protector or possess a diverse offensive game beyond finishing plays, his strengths lie in setting screens, catching lobs, and rebounding.
These attributes align with the needs of the Lakers’ second unit. The proposal suggests a win-by-committee approach, where Richards would split playing time with Looney behind Kessler, who is expected to play more than 30 minutes per game. Combining Richards’ 48 games and Looney’s 21 games from last season would provide the Lakers with a substantial number of games played by the backup tandem.
The Lakers’ current roster, including Jarred Vanderbilt and Sandro Mamukelashvili, could cover additional games if neither Looney nor Richards is available. The center market is described as limited, and the Lakers have restricted assets following the Kessler sign-and-trade. Therefore, acquiring Richards is viewed as a cost-effective and creative solution to enhance the team’s chances of competing for a championship.
Kevon Looney’s role and expectations
Kevon Looney recently joined the Lakers, citing the opportunity and the connection to Los Angeles as key factors in his decision. He outlined how his screening, toughness, and experience could benefit Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Looney believes that playing alongside Doncic, whom he considers one of the best passers in the league, will create numerous opportunities for him as a pick-and-roll player.
Looney intends to bring physicality and offensive rebounding to the team. He also highlighted his role as a screener, aiming to create open looks for Doncic and Reaves, which he anticipates will lead to easy scoring chances for himself. He has begun studying film to understand how to best integrate into the Lakers’ system.
His experience playing with Stephen Curry has prepared him for working with a superstar who often faces aggressive defensive coverages. Looney explained that big men need to constantly adjust screen placement and angles based on how the ball-handler is defended. He recalled how his previous team often doubled Doncic and employed various defensive schemes against him.
This insight is expected to help Looney recognize opposing defenses and support Doncic by setting earlier screens, maintaining contact longer, or making decisions after receiving the ball in short roll situations. Looney emphasized that building chemistry with a new guard takes time and plans to communicate with Doncic to learn his preferences in pick-and-roll scenarios, whether he wants him to roll inside, pop, or short roll.
Looney is prepared to adjust his game to complement Doncic, stating, “Wherever he wants to be at, that’s where I’m going to be at.” He joined the Lakers after examining the free-agent market for a meaningful backup center role, an opportunity that arose before his wedding.
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Source: lakeshowlife.com
