Teams throughout the league are weighing their possibilities for a trade before February’s deadline, as the 2024–25 season is well underway. According to the most recent information coming out of Los Angeles, the Lakers are one of three teams interested in acquiring promising big man Robert Williams III, and it appears that they will be active in trades this season.
In 2018, 27-year-old Robert Williams was selected 27th overall. started his career with the Boston Celtics, where he displayed exceptional defensive play and glimpses of star potential. He averaged 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game on 73.6% shooting, earning him a spot on the 2021–22 All-Defensive team.
Robert Williams was traded to the Trail Blazers for Jrue Holiday after he helped the Celtics get it to the 2022 Finals, and the rest is history.
After an injury-plagued start with the Blazers, Williams is currently enjoying one of his best seasons to date. He’s averaging a career-high 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 73.6% shooting.
He’s not currently available in trade talks, but the Blazers might be compelled to give him up if the offer is good enough. As a young, athletic, and strong center, Robert Williams would bring much-needed depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt.”Since the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in the Portland Trail Blazers’ big man.
” It’s no secret that general manager Rob Pelinka has been searching for some low-level reinforcements because there is currently only one big man who can support Anthony Davis. With another option at center, Davis could play his preferred position (power forward) and carry a lighter burden on both ends of the floor.
Adding a youthful, agile rim runner might help them clear the boards and stop second-chance opportunities, as they are among the league’s worst rebounding teams.
The NBA’s trade deadline is still months away, so the Lakers still have time to go through their options. With a 10-5 record so far this season and a fourth-place ranking, the Lakers appear to be competitive with the best teams in the West.
With Robert Williams III in their uniform, the Lakers would have more depth in the frontcourt and insurance against any injury to Anthony Davis, making them a far greater danger.
As it stands, the Lakers would be in serious trouble if Davis were to leave, but if they had LeBron James and a big player like Robert Williams, they might be able to survive until he returned.
Only time will tell if the Lakers can make a significant trade at this time, but given how frequently these reports surface, it is obvious that they are actively searching. The Lakers think that one more move could mean the difference between winning a championship and losing it.
Rob Pelina’s willingness to pay the price might have a significant impact on the Western Conference hierarchy, as Robert Williams provides the Lakers with everything they require.
