Robert Williams III is the latest player on the Lakers’ trade target list.
With the 2024-25 season in full swing, teams around the league are considering their options for a trade before February’s deadline. The latest intel out of Los Angeles suggests the Lakers will be active on the trade front this year and that they are one of three teams interested in pursuing young big man Robert Williams III.
“The Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Sacramento Kings have held interest in the Portland Trail Blazers’ big man dating back to the offseason,” wrote NBA insider Brett Siegel.
Robert Williams, 27, was the 27th overall pick in 2018. Began his career with the Boston Celtics, where he showed flashes of star potential and elite defensive play. He made the 2021-22 All-Defensive team with averages of 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game on 73.6% shooting.
After helping the Celtics reach the Finals in 2022, Robert Williams was sent to the Trail Blazers in a trade for Jrue Holiday, and the rest is history.
Currently, Williams is having one of the best years of his career so far after an injury-riddled start with the Blazers. He’s averaging a career-high 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 73.6% shooting.
He’s not currently available in trade talks, but the Blazers might be compelled to give him up if the offer is good enough. As a young, athletic, and strong center, Robert Williams would bring much-needed depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt.
