The Los Angeles Lakers have already made waves this offseason—acquiring Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and re-signing Jaxson Hayes—but they may not be done reshaping their frontcourt. According to odds released by Bovada, the Lakers are the favorites to land Robert Williams III, coming in at +185, ahead of the Golden State Warriors (+255), Milwaukee Bucks (+375), and Boston Celtics (+475).
Lakers Emerge as Betting Favorites to Land Robert Williams III
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Williams, entering the final year of a four-year, $48 million contract, has long been valued for his elite rim protection and defensive instincts. The 6-foot-9 big man was originally drafted by Boston in 2018 and became a cornerstone of their defensive identity, averaging a career-best 2.2 blocks per game in 2021-22. But injuries have consistently derailed his availability—he’s played just 26 games combined over the past two seasons and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in March.
Despite the durability concerns, the Lakers are reportedly keeping close tabs on his situation in Portland, where a crowded frontcourt featuring Donovan Clingan, Yang Hansen, and Duop Reath has made Williams expendable. A report from Grant Afseth of Fastbreak Journal confirms that L.A. remains engaged in discussions about a potential deal.
The fit is hard to ignore. The Lakers ranked just 22nd in defensive rating last season and often struggled protecting the rim when Anthony Davis sat. Williams would provide a natural insurance policy behind Ayton while sliding Hayes into a more appropriate third-center role. As one Western Conference scout noted, “His defensive instincts, timing, and athleticism remain elite when healthy. If you can limit his minutes and keep him upright, he can still change games.”
From a roster-building perspective, Williams also fits the Lakers’ financial structure. With over $40 million in expiring contracts—including Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber—the team has flexibility to construct a deal without jeopardizing future cap space. Dalton Knecht, a promising second-year wing, could be dangled as an additional asset if Portland pushes for upside.
For a Lakers team aiming to contend immediately while keeping an eye on future free agency classes, Robert Williams represents a calculated risk—one that could pay off in a big way if his health holds. Given their current needs and financial flexibility, it’s no surprise they’re the betting favorites.