The Los Angeles Lakers may not be done making moves. According to the latest betting odds, they’ve emerged as the clear favorites to land Robert Williams III in a potential trade. At +185, the Lakers sit atop the odds board (per Bovada), well ahead of other suitors like the Golden State Warriors (+255), Milwaukee Bucks (+375), and even the Boston Celtics (+475). While nothing is imminent, all signs point to L.A. exploring another major roster upgrade.
Williams, a 6’9” defensive anchor with elite rim protection and rebounding instincts, would be a natural fit in a Lakers rotation that’s still looking to solidify its frontcourt. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic both locked in for a title push, bringing in a lob-catching, shot-blocking big man could be exactly what this team needs to round out its playoff core.
During his time with the Celtics, Williams picked up some valuable championship habits as he played behind some of the best players in the world (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown). In the first five years of his career, he averaged 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game on 73.2% shooting. Unfortunately, things hit a wall in Portland, where he’s played just 26 games over the past two seasons due to a string of injuries.
With injuries limiting his availability, Williams is widely viewed as expendable in Portland, and the Lakers are, so far, leading the pack for his services. With a potential package that includes Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers are in good shape to land the young defensive big man if he becomes available. If the trade goes through, Williams would become the second former Blazer to join L.A. this summer, following Deandre Ayton, and he’d have an amazing impact in their frontcourt.
Off the bench, Williams can provide a major boost if he’s able to stay healthy. As one of the league’s best rim protectors and most versatile defenders, his value goes beyond what the numbers show, and if the Lakers can bring out the best in him, it could change how they match up against the best teams in the league. At the very least, Williams’ presence adds a defensive interior threat to complement Luka Doncic’s offensive brilliance.
As for other teams, the Warriors and Celtics need some center depth, and Williams could fill that need if they’re willing to pay the price. Even after the Myles Turner signing, the Bucks could use some more firepower, and Williams could make a nice pairing alongside Bobby Portis off the bench. Finally, there’s the Celtics.
A return to Boston would be the ultimate full-circle moment for Williams. He had his most successful seasons there, and his impact in the frontcourt is much-needed after the departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.
The Lakers have been aggressive all offseason, and a move for Robert Williams III would be another signal that they’re not done building. With championship expectations hanging over the franchise, every marginal upgrade counts. If healthy, Williams gives them something they’ve lacked: an elite rim protector who can anchor the paint behind their stars. And in today’s Western Conference arms race, that might be the missing piece that puts them over the top.
