The Los Angeles Lakers have already made several big moves this offseason—acquiring Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to reshape their core around Luka Dončić. But as training camp approaches, another intriguing name has surfaced, one that they had been in trade talks about last season: Robert Williams III.
According to Grant Afseth of Fastbreak Journal, the Lakers are keeping tabs on the Portland Trail Blazers’ frontcourt logjam and have expressed interest in a potential deal for Williams. Though the 27-year-old big man has battled consistent injury issues, his defensive versatility and rim protection still hold appeal—particularly for a Lakers team looking to solidify its interior rotation.
Williams, owed $13.3 million in the final year of his deal, has become expendable in Portland. After selecting 7-foot-1 center Yang Hansen in the draft and already rostering Donovan Clingan and Duop Reath, the Blazers are overstocked at the position. And while they weren’t able to find a trade partner for Ayton before ultimately buying him out, Williams still retains market value—especially for contenders like L.A. willing to take a calculated swing.
Robert Williams’ Potential Fit With Los Angeles Lakers
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The fit makes sense. Williams could serve as a defensive anchor behind Ayton while pushing Jaxson Hayes into a more appropriate third-center role. Despite playing just 26 games over the past two seasons, the former Celtics center is still viewed around the league as a potential impact player—if he can stay on the floor.
“His defensive instincts, timing, and athleticism remain elite when healthy,” one Western Conference scout said. “If you can limit his minutes and keep him upright, he can still change games.”
The Lakers have the financial flexibility to make such a move. With over $40 million in expiring contracts—headlined by Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber—L.A. can construct a deal without dipping into its long-term assets. Second-year wing Dalton Knecht, who nearly got dealt at last season’s trade deadline, could also be used as a sweetener if Portland wants upside in return.
There’s also the possibility that Robert Williams could be part of a larger package. Jrue Holiday—currently on the Blazers’ roster—has been mentioned as another name L.A. is monitoring. But given his age (35), contract ($32.4M in 2025–26 with a $37.2M player option), and the team’s desire to keep cap space open for the 2027 free agency class, Williams may be the more realistic short-term target.
For now, discussions remain exploratory. But with Dončić exerting increasing influence over the Lakers’ roster construction—and a clear need to reinforce the frontcourt—Robert Williams III could be the next piece brought in to support a title push.
If he can stay healthy, he’s exactly the kind of low-risk, high-reward bet championship contenders make. And for a Lakers team caught between the urgency of now and the planning of tomorrow, the timeline fits.