NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers interested in Josh Richardson

NBA Trade Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in Josh Richardson and could explore a trade for him at the deadline.

With an 0-3 start, it seems that a trade is likely coming sooner rather than later for the Los Angeles Lakers. And whenever that trade comes, it will likely be centered around Russell Westbrook. This is not really a surprise and something that has been rumored nearly all summer long.

Though, nothing has come to fruition just yet. However, if something does come to fruition at some point soon, there are a few names that would make sense (names that have been linked to the Lakers before). And among the names other than the likes of Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, and Terry Rozier is San Antonio Spurs wing Josh Richardson.

According to a recent report, the Lakers have some level of interest in a possible Richardson trade.

Why Josh Richardson would make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers

Richardson is a player that would absolutely fit better on the Lakers than, say, Westbrook. However, there’s no indication that the Lakers would be willing to include a first-round pick to acquire Richardson. He’s a free agent after the season and may not re-sign with the Lakers.

Los Angeles would essentially be trading a future first-round pick for what may not be more than a rental for the remainder of the season. That would be a large ask, but that’s also the price of moving off the Westbrook contract.

Through the first few games of the season, Richardson is averaging 13 points on 48 percent shooting from the field and 47 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’d automatically emerge as the Lakers’ best outside shooter and could be slid into the starting lineup.

Richardson is also considered a good defender, which could also help the Lakers. But there has to be another shoe to drop before this interest ultimately leads to a trade.

The Lakers have to get to a place where they’re ready to move on from Westbrook. And the Spurs have to get to a point where they’d be open to acquiring him. At least for now, I’m not sure either team is at that point yet.

The season is early and things can certainly change, but it remains to be seen if Richardson is the move that the Lakers believe will help them just back into contender status in the Western Conference.

You would assume that a trade is coming eventually, but it’s impossible to predict when it exactly will happen.