The perfect Lakers trade offer for Robert Williams
Despite back-to-back losses, the Lakers have far outperformed expectations. Viewed as a play-in team prior to the start of the season, LA is now the fourth seed at 10-6. Much of this success has been due to JJ Redick unleashing the greatest version of Anthony Davis we’ve seen.
The lack of depth at center was glaring going into the season. While Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko have been good in stretches, the need still remains. Anthony Davis’ play through the season has only emphasized the need for a partner in crime down low.
We’re going to take a look at the Portland Trail Blazer big Robert Williams and break down why it would make so much sense for the Lakers to pull the trigger.
The Lakers, Pelicans, and Kings have shown interest in Robert Williams III, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“…Out of the three big men, Williams is expected to hold the biggest market. The Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Sacramento Kings have held interest in the Portland… pic.twitter.com/9SY7Dj8TK2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 22, 2024
Who is Robert Williams?
The 27-year-old currently playing in Portland brings a lot to the table. Listed at 6’9, 250lbs, the slightly undersized big brings a tenacious energy to the court when it comes to rebounding and protecting the rim.
That tenacity is fueled by his next-level athleticism. With a combine verticle of 40.5 inches and a wingspan of 7 ft 5 in, his measurables mixed with his play style remind me of a former Lakers big. Williams could fill a Dwight Howard role similar to the 2019-20 season.
27yo Robert Williams is back and looks like he never left!
Such an impressive player when he’s healthy. We can only hope that he stays fit because his mix of mobility, hands, finishing, short roll passing, rim protection, and offensive glass dominance is a blast to watch. https://t.co/i6kHoEpeu1 pic.twitter.com/gEvc9WnDYM
— NBA University (@NBA_University) November 13, 2024
To this point in the season, Williams is averaging 10/7/2 with 1.2 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. That is while also shooting 76.5% FG, which would be a league-high if not for the fact that he’s only played six games this season.
Injury Issues
One of, if not the only, reasons why Williams isn’t viewed around the league more favorably is the fact that he struggles fairly frequently from injuries.
Through the first six seasons of his career, he has only played an average of 35 games per season. Williams’ career high in that metric came in 2021-22 when he played in 61 games for the Boston Celtics. His most recent injury restricted him to just six games last season and only five games this season.
As I said, if not for injuries, Williams would be viewed as one of the most intriguing big men prospects in the league.
The Perfect Trade
- Lakers Receive: Robert Williams, Ryan Rupert
- Trail Blazers Receive: Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 2nd Rd Pick
This trade works on a few levels. The team would be able to upgrade their front court while also distancing themselves from unnecessary noise in Jaxson Hayes. Los Angeles would also have the opportunity to get Gabe Vincent off the team, who has been just abysmal this season.
Los Angeles would also be able to pull it off salary-wise by just trading D’Angelo Russell and a 2nd round pick for Williams. This route seems less appealing for two reasons.
One, I would rather keep Russell over Vincent if push comes to shove. Two, when Christian Wood returns, having Davis, Wood, Williams, Hayes, and Koloko would be too much.
Robert Williams Fit in LA
As previously mentioned, Anthony Davis has been having a career year, so there is no need for a superstar savior. All that is needed from a player like Williams is helping in the margins.
When Anthony Davis heads to the bench, Williams is more capable than anyone currently on the roster to provide meaningful minutes. His frame at 6’9, paired with the re-emergence of AD’s three-point shot, also means that they would be able to share the court together successfully.
This last summer, playing in France, Davis looked outstanding next to Bam Adebayo. Adebayo is a 6’9, 250lb athletic big who can control the paint on both ends of the floor. If that sounds similar to Williams, you would be right.
By no means am I saying Williams is as good as Bam Adebayo, but if the product looks anything like this summer, this could be fun.
