Robert Williams was floated as a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers
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Robert Williams was floated as a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have long been believed to be canvassing the market for a high-calibre 3-and-D wing as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.
More recently, however, a report from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst suggested that general manager Rob Pelinka is also exploring frontcourt options, with rim protection emerging as a growing need.
Despite backup center Jaxson Hayes exceeding expectations in his role, Deandre Ayton’s season has been marked by fluctuating form and ongoing scrutiny.
That uncertainty has only reinforced the idea that Pelinka may look to add another big man sooner rather than later.
Lakers Expand Search for Frontcourt Help
Several names have circulated in trade discussions, including Yves Missi, Nick Richards, and Daniel Gafford.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, however, recently introduced another intriguing option.
“Yet, even with Jaxson Hayes exceeding expectations, a higher-end big man behind Deandre Ayton is a need, too,” Favale wrote. “Robert Williams III retains his vertical gravity along with his defensive mobility and disruption if he’s healthy.”
“This is a big if, but that uncertainty should permit L.A. to make a play for him without surrendering any serious draft equity.”
Williams, when available, remains one of the league’s more impactful interior defenders. Through 34 games this season, he is averaging 6.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting an eye-catching 74.2% from the field.
For a Lakers team that has struggled with physicality for much of the season, Williams’ profile is appealing.
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league in several rebounding and interior defensive metrics, areas where the former All-Defensive Second Team honoree could make an immediate impact.
At 6-foot-9, Williams also brings a knack for generating second chances. He is averaging 2.0 offensive rebounds per game, a skill that would translate cleanly within the Lakers’ rotation and create extra possessions for Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Co.
A Low-Risk Swing With Upside
From a contractual standpoint, Williams fits into the Lakers’ broader financial picture. He is in the final year of a four-year, $48 million deal and is earning $13.2 million this season before hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer.
That expiring salary aligns with Los Angeles’ reported reluctance to take on long-term money beyond this season, preserving flexibility for future roster reshaping.
The obvious concern is availability. Williams has appeared in just 269 games since entering the league in 2018-19 and has played only 60 games combined over the past three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
His career high for games played in a single season remains 61, set in 2021-22.
Still, as Favale noted, those durability questions could work in the Lakers’ favor.
With only one tradable first-round pick and limited premium assets, Los Angeles may find Williams to be a rare low-cost, high-upside option compared to other frontcourt targets who would likely require significant draft compensation.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin has also reported that the Lakers are exploring the possibility of flipping either their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick for multiple future selections, a move that could further expand their trade flexibility.
Such a strategy would restore access to additional first-rounders and widen the range of possible trade constructions.
Even without a larger asset shuffle, Williams represents a pragmatic swing. A move that could stabilize the frontcourt now, support a late-season push, and still allow Pelinka to keep his most valuable resources intact for a potential needle-moving addition on the wing, either before the deadline or beyond it.