The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking to shore up their frontcourt, specifically the center position, for a while now. They reportedly wanted to sign center Jonas Valanciunas as a free agent this summer, only to see him join the Washington Wizards, arguably the worst team in the NBA, instead.
They also had some interest in acquiring Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic. However, nothing materialized, and Carter instead signed a contract extension to remain in central Florida.
While Los Angeles could still go after Valanciunas via trade, there was an Eastern Conference center it also had interest in landing this summer, and it was someone fans may not be familiar with: Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets.