The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be among the frontrunners to emerge from the Western Conference after acquiring Luka Doncic and Mark Williams.
Nonetheless, the significant trades have left the backcourt lacking robust depth behind Doncic and Austin Reaves, which may prompt the Lakers to explore the buyout market. One player to monitor for LA is ex-Philadelphia 76ers guard Josh Richardson, currently part of the Utah Jazz following the significant Jimmy Butler trade.
USA Today’s LeBron Wire forecasts that the Lakers will acquire Richardson if the Jazz opt to buy out his contract, which previously reached $42 million.
“The University of Tennessee alum has career averages of 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, along with a career shooting percentage of 36.3% from beyond the arc, and he played alongside Doncic in the 2020-21 season as part of the Dallas Mavericks,” stated Robert Marvi of USA Today. “He might embrace the chance to compete for a potential contender like Los Angeles.”
As previously mentioned, Richardson received a lucrative contract during the height of his abilities with the Miami Heat. He’s not at the same level of player he was in his initial stint with the Heat or with the Sixers, but he can still offer solid defense and an occasional impressive offensive performance.
There are numerous guards potentially available in the buyout market, so it really depends on how much LA is prepared to offer.