REPORT: The Los Angeles Lakers are Looking to Reunite Robert Williams and Marcus Smart in a Game-Changing Trade Deal
The NBA offseason is always rife with speculation, trades, and potential blockbuster moves, but few stories have captivated the basketball world like the rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers and their potential pursuit of a reunion between two key Boston Celtics players—Robert Williams and Marcus Smart. These names have recently surfaced in trade discussions, and the Lakers are reportedly eyeing the chance to bring both players to Los Angeles in a move that could reshape their roster for the upcoming season.
Robert Williams, also known as “Time Lord” for his remarkable shot-blocking ability and timing, has been a staple in the Celtics’ frontcourt for several years. His defensive prowess, particularly in the paint, is unparalleled, and his unique skill set has made him a cornerstone of the Celtics’ defense-first mentality. Standing at 6’9” with an impressive wingspan, Williams has the physical attributes to defend at an elite level and is often regarded as one of the best rim protectors in the league. His combination of athleticism, length, and timing allows him to contest shots effectively, making him a constant threat around the basket. However, injuries have plagued Williams throughout his career, leading to inconsistency in his availability and performance.
On the other hand, Marcus Smart, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2022), has been the heartbeat of the Celtics’ defense. Known for his gritty, tenacious style of play, Smart brings an edge that not only locks down opposing guards but also serves as a vocal leader on and off the floor. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense with timely steals and high-energy plays has made him a fan favorite in Boston, and his defensive intelligence is often the key factor in crucial moments during games. Smart is also a solid playmaker, and though his offensive game has been a subject of debate, his leadership and defensive contributions are undeniable.
Now, the Lakers are reportedly exploring the idea of reuniting these two stalwarts of Boston’s defense in Los Angeles, and the potential benefits for the Lakers are abundant. This trade could bring a much-needed boost to a Lakers team that has been searching for defensive consistency since their 2020 championship win. The addition of both Williams and Smart could address some of the team’s most glaring weaknesses, such as interior defense, perimeter defense, and leadership on both ends of the floor. But would this trade be a game-changer for the Lakers, or could it just be another risky move in a series of high-profile gambles?
To understand the possible impact of such a trade, it’s essential to first look at what both players bring to the table. Williams, when healthy, is one of the top rim protectors in the league. The Lakers have been searching for someone to anchor their defense ever since Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee left after the 2020 season. While Anthony Davis is a stellar defender, he’s often forced to play out of position due to the Lakers’ lack of a true center, and his health has been a question mark in recent seasons. Williams could help alleviate some of that pressure on Davis by providing a more traditional center who can dominate in the paint and protect the rim at a high level. His athleticism would allow the Lakers to play a faster, more dynamic style of defense, where both Davis and Williams could switch onto smaller players and wreak havoc in the passing lanes.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart would fill another key role for the Lakers: perimeter defense and leadership. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still in their prime, the Lakers are looking to contend for another championship, and Smart’s defensive capabilities would instantly elevate their chances. He is known for his ability to guard multiple positions and frustrate even the league’s most explosive guards. His defensive IQ is off the charts, and his intensity on the floor would complement the Lakers’ overall defensive identity. In a postseason series, Smart could be a difference-maker, especially when matched up against high-scoring backcourts.
In addition to their defensive acumen, both Williams and Smart also provide leadership qualities that would benefit the Lakers immensely. LeBron James, while still one of the greatest players in NBA history, is no longer the vocal leader he once was. His role has shifted to that of a player-coach, focusing more on maintaining his body and managing minutes to stay fresh for the playoffs. This is where Smart’s competitive fire and locker room presence could step in, alongside the organizational leadership that comes from a player like Williams, who has been a part of a successful team culture in Boston. Together, they would bring a renewed sense of grit and determination to a Lakers team that has sometimes struggled to find its identity.
Of course, any potential trade for Williams and Smart would come with its set of challenges. Both players are entrenched in the Celtics’ core, and Boston is unlikely to part with them easily. The Celtics are a championship contender in their own right, having reached the NBA Finals in 2022 and made deep playoff runs in other seasons. The Lakers would likely have to offer valuable assets in return—whether it be draft picks, young talent, or veteran players in exchange. In this case, players like Russell Westbrook, who has not lived up to expectations in Los Angeles, could be part of the deal, but the Lakers would need to make sure they’re not parting with too much of their future in order to secure the right pieces for a championship run.
Another factor to consider is Williams’ injury history. While his defensive prowess is well-documented, his availability has been an ongoing issue. Injuries have limited his impact in several seasons, and there’s always the concern of whether he can stay healthy for a full 82-game season, let alone an entire playoff run. Similarly, Marcus Smart has also had his share of injuries over the years. While he has shown the ability to play through them, his durability could be a concern for the Lakers, especially as they try to manage the workloads of their aging stars. Balancing the health of players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis is critical to the Lakers’ success, so adding injury-prone players could complicate things.
Despite these risks, the potential upside of such a trade is significant. The Lakers’ window to win another championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis is closing, and adding two dynamic, defensive players like Williams and Smart could make all the difference in their pursuit of another title. The addition of both players would solidify the Lakers as one of the best defensive teams in the league, and their ability to guard multiple positions would make them a tough matchup in the playoffs. With the right combination of offense and defense, the Lakers could become a legitimate contender once again.
Ultimately, the decision to reunite Robert Williams and Marcus Smart would represent a bold move by the Lakers’ front office, but it’s one that could pay off in the long run. The team would add two elite defenders who can make a significant impact on both ends of the floor. While the potential risks associated with their health and the cost of the trade are worth considering, the potential rewards far outweigh them if both players stay healthy and fit into the Lakers’ system. As always, the NBA offseason is full of surprises, and this rumored trade could very well turn into one of the most important moves of the Lakers’ offseason, paving the way for a potential championship run in 2025.
