The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly reached out to the Portland Trail Blazers about a possible trade for center Robert Williams III, according to multiple league sources. This move signals that the Lakers are actively exploring ways to strengthen their frontcourt rotation ahead of the upcoming NBA season. With their eyes set on another playoff run, the Lakers are searching for reliable size and defense off the bench, and Williams is known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and interior presence.
Williams, who is just 26 years old, has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons but remains one of the more intriguing defensive big men in the league when healthy. He was traded to Portland as part of the Jrue Holiday deal from Boston last year and played limited games during the 2023–24 season due to a knee injury. Despite that, his potential still attracts interest from teams looking to add a high-upside defensive anchor without committing a massive salary.
For the Lakers, the interest in Williams is not surprising. Their current center rotation includes Anthony Davis, who prefers not to play full-time at the five, and backup options that haven’t consistently delivered. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood have both had flashes of strong performances but lack the defensive reliability that Williams could bring if he returns to full strength.
Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office know that to contend deep in the Western Conference, especially against size-heavy teams like Denver and Minnesota, having a backup big who can protect the rim and hold his own in the paint is essential. Williams fits that mold. He brings an energy boost on defense, has solid timing as a shot-blocker, and can run the floor in transition—something the Lakers often look for in their second unit.
One of the main questions will be what the Lakers are willing to give up. Williams is still under contract for two more seasons, and his cap hit is manageable, making him a valuable piece for Portland—even if they are still rebuilding around young talent like Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons. The Trail Blazers are likely to ask for at least a young player or a future first-round pick, and the Lakers are short on both. The team has few tradable assets and may need to involve a third team or move salary to make the deal work.
The timing of the interest is also notable. With the NBA Draft and free agency around the corner, trade talks are heating up league-wide. The Lakers have multiple decisions to make, including re-signing key role players and potentially adding new talent either through the draft or veteran free agency. Adding Williams would be a defensive upgrade, but his health status adds a layer of risk the Lakers would have to accept.
Lakers fans have reacted with mixed feelings online. Some are excited by the idea of Williams joining the team, praising his defensive instincts and potential chemistry with Davis. Others are cautious, citing his injury history and questioning whether another injury-prone big is the right fit. But in a league where defensive bigs are at a premium and the margins between playoff teams are razor thin, the Lakers’ reported interest in Williams shows they are ready to make bold moves.
Meanwhile, Portland might be open to trading Williams as part of their long-term rebuilding strategy. They already have Deandre Ayton and are expected to explore roster flexibility in the offseason. If they believe Williams is not part of their future core, moving him now could return assets that better fit their timeline. For the Lakers, the urgency is different. With LeBron James still on the roster and likely pushing for one last title run, every move now is about winning now—not years down the line.
If trade talks progress, the coming weeks could see the Lakers making additional moves to position themselves more competitively for the 2024–25 season. While nothing is finalized yet, the conversation around Robert Williams is another example of how the Lakers are staying aggressive and creative in their pursuit of a roster that can truly contend in the tough Western Conference. As the front office weighs its options, fans will be watching closely to see if this potential trade becomes the first domino of a busy summer.
