The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves at a pivotal point in their ongoing roster retooling. With championship ambitions that have been rekindled following a summer of both consolidation and recalibration, the Lakers are seeking undervalued, high-impact depth pieces to complement their superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Amid swirling trade rumors, one name has emerged as a particularly intriguing target: Robert Williams III. The 6’9” center, often referred to as “Time Lord,” is reportedly on the Lakers’ radar as a potential backup to newly-acquired big man Deandre Ayton, signaling a potential low-cost, high-upside move that could pay serious dividends for the purple and gold.
This development comes at a time when the Lakers are acutely aware of the need for defensive identity and frontcourt insurance. Deandre Ayton, acquired via trade this offseason in a surprising deal with Portland, is expected to fill the starting center role, bringing rebounding, interior scoring, and shot-blocking to a frontcourt that lacked consistency last season. However, the Lakers’ brass is all too familiar with the rigors of an 82-game season and the inevitability of injury or matchup-specific adjustments. In that light, the need for a capable, rim-protecting backup center is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Enter Robert Williams III, a former first-round pick who carved out a reputation with the Boston Celtics as one of the league’s elite defensive bigs before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Jrue Holiday deal. Williams missed a significant chunk of the 2023-2024 season with injuries but remains a tantalizing prospect when healthy. At his best, he’s a game-altering defender who can switch onto smaller players, protect the rim at an elite level, and finish lobs in transition. The Lakers, who have made a habit of identifying distressed assets in the league and maximizing their potential in controlled roles, view Williams as a prime candidate for such a reclamation.
The potential trade talks between Los Angeles and Portland are reportedly in early stages, but the framework seems to involve minimal outgoing assets. Sources close to the situation suggest that the Lakers could offer expiring contracts and a future second-round pick, possibly with additional protections or a swap option, in exchange for Williams. With Portland deep in a rebuild and focused on developing young core players like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camara, the Trail Blazers might be inclined to part with Williams, especially if they believe his injury history limits his long-term fit.
For the Lakers, the calculus is simple: Williams brings a dimension to the bench unit that no one else currently on the roster provides. Jaxson Hayes has shown flashes but remains inconsistent, while Christian Wood’s offensive prowess is undercut by defensive deficiencies. Williams, if healthy, gives the Lakers a legitimate insurance policy against Ayton and Davis missing time, while also offering the potential for devastating defensive lineups. Imagine a scenario where Williams and Davis share the floor in a high-leverage postseason situation—two long, athletic, and intelligent shot blockers anchoring the backline while LeBron and Austin Reaves handle the offense. It’s the kind of vision that has the front office intrigued.
There’s also the matter of contract control. Williams is signed through the 2025-2026 season on a deal that is considered reasonable given his potential impact. At just over $12 million per year, Williams’ salary fits neatly into the Lakers’ mid-level salary slot, meaning the team wouldn’t be committing massive cap resources for a player they expect to come off the bench. The deal structure also gives the Lakers flexibility in future trades, should they need to aggregate salary or pivot directions next summer. It’s the type of team-friendly contract that smart franchises covet.
