The Lakers are still on the market for a big man, but they are now in a holding pattern in terms of trades, much like
the rest of the NBA. The Lakers are constrained in their options because they face the dreaded “second apron” of the
NBA’s luxury tax in addition to having a full roster of 15 players.
The largest gap on the team, according to head coach JJ Redick, is a “bruising” big man who can play in the middle
of the court with Anthony Davis. Although Davis has primarily played center for the Lakers since moving to Los
Angeles in 2019, he really wants to be a power forward.
The Lakers have been looking into their center options in light of this. One player that makes sense and is reportedly
available on the trade market is Robert Williams of Portland. Williams has struggled with injuries throughout his
NBA career, but when he is on the court, he is an excellent big man for defense.
One NBA executive remarked of the Blazers, “I don’t think anyone on that roster is untouchable except maybe their
young guys.” They’re asking for a lot of money for their pieces, so I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see if some of
those guys’ prices drop. However, Rob Williams has a solid contract and, provided he stays healthy, would be a great asset.
Robert Williams Has Had Health Issues
That would be the Lakers’ worry, or the worry of any team that wants to sign Williams. Throughout his NBA career,
he has suffered from knee injuries. Last season, he only managed to play six games before having surgery to repair a
ligament in his right knee, which forced him to miss the entire campaign.
During his arrival in the league, Williams has only played an average of 36 games annually.
Williams can, however, be a formidable defensive big man when healthy. In 2022, he was voted sixth for Defensive
Player of the Year. He averaged 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocked shots per game during the year.
a very athletic lob-finisher. He has shot 72.9% from the field in his career.
The Lakers could probably use a center who could also shoot a bit, at least to create some room for Davis and star
forward LeBron James to operate. But perimeter-shooting bigs are hard to find, and the Lakers would welcome
Williams’ defense.
Lakers Trade Would Send Out 2 Guards
Putting together a package to acquire Williams in a Lakers trade would be the challenging part, though. He signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Celtics before being dealt to Portland as part of the Jrue Holiday deal, and he is currently in the third season of that deal.
The money would work for a Williams deal if the Lakers are ready to part with Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino, a transaction that would weaken their guard depth. However, the Lakers are unlikely to part with one of their first-round picks in exchange for an ailing player like Williams, as the Blazers have been requesting first-round picks in trades for their players.
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