NBA Rumors: Lakers Linked To Spurs Veteran Wing

As the Los Angeles Lakers lick their wounds from another loss, and the calls get louder to trade Russell Westbrook and his 28% FG shooting (and 8% 3-pt mark) elsewhere—anywhere—we get word that they've had "recent" trade discussions with the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Lakers have shown interest in Josh Richardson, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/5DNIPFJt2b

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) October 24, 2022

According to NBA Insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers have "held preliminary discussions with the Spurs in recent weeks, sources said, showing interest in three-and-D wing Josh Richardson."

The 29-year-old Richardson would be an ideal fit for the Lakers, filling both of their glaring needs of shooting and perimeter defense. 

The 6'5" Richardson is averaging 12.7 points in the Spurs' first three games of the season while shooting 47% on threes. He also shot 41.5% from beyond the arc last season, split between the Boston Celtics and the Spurs. 

Richardson averages 12 points for his seven-year career, with a 36.6% mark from distance. 

The Spurs are one of the teams with lots of space under the salary cap who could absorb Westbrook's $47M contract, if the return price was right (read: the Lakers' first-round picks in 2027 and 2029). 

Richardson makes $12M on an expiring contract this season, so lots of other salary would need to head to LA to make this deal work, but the Lakers could start to get desperate soon, as they've started the season 0-3. 

Charania notes that the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets are other potential trade partners that the Lakers will be "keeping tabs on."

Photo: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports