The Portland Trail Blazers have secured the return of their franchise cornerstone, Damian Lillard. With that move, the team now faces pressure to build a competitive roster around him. However, one of their key contributors could be on the way out, as the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly shown interest in prying him away ahead of next NBA season.
The Lakers are aggressively exploring options to bolster their roster and address glaring weaknesses. One of their top priorities is strengthening the center position, particularly in terms of rebounding on both ends and overall defensive presence. With their championship window still open, they are targeting players who can make an immediate impact.
According to BetUS, the Lakers are currently favored to land Robert Williams III. The Portland center could be exactly the kind of defensive anchor that Lillard needs to compete at a high level in what could be a crucial season for the Trail Blazers.
Williams, a 6-foot-9 rim protector with elite timing and rebounding instincts, would be a natural fit in a Lakers frontcourt that still lacks defensive consistency. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic both expected to lead the charge in Los Angeles, a lob-catching, shot-blocking big man could be a critical addition to their playoff-caliber core.
During his stint with the Boston Celtics, Williams gained valuable playoff experience alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Through his first five seasons in the NBA, he posted averages of 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 73.2% from the field. However, his time in Portland has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 26 appearances over the past two seasons.
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With health concerns clouding his future in Portland, Williams is widely seen as expendable. The Lakers, meanwhile, have emerged as the frontrunners for his services. A potential trade package involving Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht could be enough to get a deal done. If that happens, Williams would become the second former Blazer to land in Los Angeles this summer, joining Deandre Ayton, and would likely provide a much-needed boost to their frontcourt rotation.
Other teams reportedly in need of a center like Williams include the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. For the Warriors, the center spot was arguably their weakest link throughout the regular season, especially after parting ways with veteran Kevon Looney and leaving the position open.
As for the Celtics, they could be forced into action after losing Kristaps Porzingis and potentially veteran big man Al Horford. Reacquiring Williams could make sense if they’re looking to maintain their interior defensive identity while also easing the minutes load on their remaining bigs.
As the offseason develops, Robert Williams III stands out as a key name to watch. His future could not only shift the balance for the Trail Blazers and Lakers but might also affect the landscape for contenders across the NBA.
