The Los Angeles Lakers may be on the verge of another pivotal roster move, one that could have a seismic effect on their 2025-26 championship hopes. Robert Williams III, the defensive anchor formerly of the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers, has emerged as a top target for the franchise. Reports suggest the Lakers are the clear favorites to land the 6’9” shot-blocking center, and the potential addition of Williams would be nothing short of a blockbuster. With a team already boasting the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and recent acquisition Luka Dončić, the addition of Williams could be the missing piece that transforms the Lakers from contenders to favorites.
The Lakers’ current core is built around elite talent, high basketball IQ, and playoff experience. But the one lingering critique has been their lack of a true, healthy, and consistently dominant rim protector outside of Anthony Davis. While Davis has long carried the dual burden of being the team’s offensive safety valve and defensive backline, injuries and overuse have made it clear that L.A. needs more support in the paint. Robert Williams III offers that—and then some. Known for his elite vertical leap, impeccable timing, and uncanny instincts, Williams has developed a reputation as one of the best help-side defenders and shot blockers in the NBA. His presence not only deters drives but also alters offensive game plans. His addition to the Lakers would mark a definitive statement: L.A. is serious about building a championship defense.
Robert Williams’ impact on the court goes well beyond traditional stats. While he may not be a 20-point-per-game scorer, his advanced metrics routinely place him among the league leaders in defensive rating, block percentage, and contested shots. He thrives in drop coverage and has the lateral mobility to switch out onto guards in a pinch, a rare trait among big men. His ability to recover quickly, hedge high on pick-and-rolls, and still get back to protect the rim has made him one of the most disruptive paint defenders since he entered the league. During his healthiest season with the Boston Celtics, he was the defensive lynchpin that helped propel the team to the NBA Finals. Now, if healthy and surrounded by stars in L.A., he could reprise that role and more.
The Lakers are no strangers to star power or headline-making trades. In the past five years alone, they have pulled off moves that brought Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and recently Luka Dončić to Los Angeles. With LeBron James entering the twilight years of his career but still performing at an elite level, and Dončić entering his prime, the franchise is fully in “win-now” mode. Every move from the front office reflects urgency. The potential acquisition of Robert Williams III fits perfectly into this aggressive timeline. He wouldn’t be asked to do more than what he’s already proven he can do—protect the rim, rebound with tenacity, and bring relentless energy every possession. On a roster filled with playmakers and scorers, Williams would have a narrowly defined role, which is exactly what often brings out the best in players like him.
A defensive lineup featuring Robert Williams, Anthony Davis, and Jarred Vanderbilt—assuming Vanderbilt isn’t included in any trade package—would be one of the most intimidating frontcourts in the NBA. Add to that the perimeter size and strength of LeBron and Dončić, and the Lakers would boast a switchable, versatile, and bruising defensive unit capable of shutting down elite offenses. The idea of forcing opponents into the paint only to meet Williams and Davis at the rim is the kind of nightmare scenario that coaches draw up during late-night film sessions. It’s not just about rim protection either; Williams brings a level of fluidity, agility, and anticipation that enables him to disrupt passing lanes, double with precision, and help recover faster than almost anyone his size.
While the Lakers are reportedly in the lead for his services, acquiring Williams won’t come cheap. The Trail Blazers, who currently hold his contract, are in the midst of a youth movement centered around Scoot Henderson and other young talents. Portland would likely require a combination of young assets and draft compensation in return. The Lakers have several intriguing pieces that could be moved, including Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and future first-round picks. Given the franchise’s history of prioritizing stars and immediate results over long-term development, it would not be surprising to see the Lakers part with some of those assets to bring in Williams. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has shown a willingness to act swiftly and decisively when the right opportunity arises.
Beyond the on-court fit, there’s a cultural and psychological component to this potential acquisition that cannot be overlooked. Robert Williams is a player who operates with a chip on his shoulder. He plays with a quiet intensity, rarely jawing but always competing. That kind of mentality resonates with championship-caliber teams. He doesn’t demand offensive touches or spotlight; instead, he does the dirty work that wins playoff games—diving for loose balls, setting hard screens, and contesting every shot like it’s a game-winner. That’s the kind of presence the Lakers need, especially as they prepare for grueling postseason matchups against Western Conference juggernauts like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The injury history of Williams is the one area of concern. He has struggled to stay consistently healthy throughout his career, which is partly why Boston was willing to part with him and why Portland has not built around him. However, the Lakers’ recent success in managing veteran workloads through load management, medical innovation, and strategic rest days could help preserve Williams for the games that truly matter. He wouldn’t be expected to play 35 minutes a night; rather, he’d likely be used situationally and in tandem with Davis to maximize his strengths while minimizing wear and tear. If the Lakers can keep him healthy for the playoffs, he could easily become a postseason X-factor.
There’s also the question of offensive fit. While Robert Williams isn’t known for his scoring, he excels as a lob threat, offensive rebounder, and short-roll passer. Luka Dončić, a master of the pick-and-roll, would thrive having Williams as a vertical spacer. His presence would open up more space for LeBron’s drives, as defenders would have to account for the lob at all times. This would also lighten the interior scoring burden on Davis, who prefers facing up from the midrange and operating in space. Williams’ offensive game is understated, but it is functional and highly effective when paired with elite playmakers.
Fan reaction to the rumor has been overwhelmingly positive. Lakers fans, long accustomed to flashy names and offensive firepower, have grown more aware of the importance of defense and balance. The idea of a young, defensive-minded big man with upside joining a group of established stars has ignited hopes of a dominant playoff run. Many see this as a move in the mold of the team’s 2020 title strategy, which leaned heavily on size, depth, and defense. Williams could be the modern-day Dwight Howard or JaVale McGee role-filler, but with significantly more defensive upside and long-term value.
This potential acquisition also sets up a broader narrative arc for the 2025-26 season. With the Western Conference as stacked as ever, and with key rivals like the Nuggets and Warriors making their own aggressive moves, the margin for error is razor thin. The Lakers have little room for regression, and every decision made from this point on must reflect that urgency. Adding Robert Williams III may not be the splashiest move of the offseason, but it could prove to be the most consequential. His presence changes the way teams attack the Lakers, alters their defensive identity, and allows their superstars to focus on what they do best.
As trade talks continue and the Lakers push to finalize their roster ahead of training camp, all eyes are on this developing storyline. Robert Williams III isn’t just a complementary piece—he could be the defensive soul of a championship team. If the Lakers manage to land him, the rest of the league would be put on notice. The combination of experience, star power, and defensive grit would make Los Angeles an even more formidable opponent. For a franchise that thrives on legacy and championship banners, this could be the move that brings them one step closer to their 18th title.
