Breaking: Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Close to Acquiring Robert Williams III in Major Move to Bolster Frontcourt Defense and Depth
In what could become one of the more impactful roster moves of the NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly on the verge of acquiring big man Robert Williams III, per sources close to the situation. While the deal has yet to be finalized, league insiders suggest that conversations have reached an advanced stage, with both sides showing mutual interest in completing the trade. The potential addition of Williams would bring immediate defensive toughness, athleticism, and frontcourt depth to a Lakers team still looking to return to serious championship contention.
Robert Williams III, known for his high-flying shot-blocking ability, elite rim protection, and vertical spacing as a lob threat, has had a tumultuous few seasons marked by injuries, but his impact when healthy has been undeniable. The 26-year-old center has often been referred to as one of the most underrated defenders in the league, a player whose presence in the paint alters the offensive strategies of opponents. Originally drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 27th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Williams quickly made a name for himself as a relentless rim protector and explosive athlete. His best season came during the Celtics’ run to the 2022 NBA Finals, when he was the anchor of a historically dominant defense.
Since then, injuries have limited his availability and somewhat slowed the momentum of his ascension, but when on the court, he continues to show flashes of the elite impact that earned him a four-year extension worth $54 million in 2021. After being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Jrue Holiday deal last offseason, Williams played sparingly due to a season-ending knee surgery that cut his year short. The Trail Blazers, in the midst of a full-scale rebuild following the departure of Damian Lillard, have reportedly made Williams available in trade discussions, viewing his value as higher to contending teams than to their own current developmental trajectory.
That’s where the Lakers come into the picture. After a disappointing early playoff exit in the 2025 postseason, the franchise entered the summer intent on reshaping the roster to better support LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom remain firmly committed to competing for titles in the short term. James, now entering his 23rd NBA season at the age of 40, recently signed an extension that all but ensures he will finish his legendary career in Los Angeles. Davis, meanwhile, continues to perform at an All-NBA level when healthy but has long been burdened with the defensive and physical demands of playing full-time center.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick have emphasized the importance of surrounding their star duo with athletic, defensive-minded role players who can help ease their workload and provide consistency, particularly on the defensive end. While the team re-signed guard D’Angelo Russell and added shooting in the form of veteran free agents, frontcourt depth has remained a glaring issue. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood failed to make consistent impacts last season, while Rui Hachimura projects more as a combo forward than a true interior defender. The absence of a dependable backup big behind Davis was felt especially in matchups against teams with size and interior scoring threats.
Acquiring Robert Williams III would represent a major step toward resolving that issue. Despite his recent injury history, the Lakers believe that with proper load management and a conservative medical plan, Williams can return to near-elite form and become a key part of the team’s rotation. His ability to protect the rim, rebound, and switch onto smaller players aligns well with modern defensive schemes, and his pick-and-roll chemistry with guards could create more space for the Lakers’ offense. Perhaps more importantly, having Williams on the roster would allow the Lakers to preserve Anthony Davis by limiting his exposure to physical play at the five, which has historically taken a toll on Davis over the course of a full season.
Sources close to the situation say the Lakers are in discussions to send a combination of draft capital and salary-matching contracts to Portland in exchange for Williams. Names like Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, or even Gabe Vincent have been floated in preliminary conversations, though nothing has been finalized. The Lakers are reportedly reluctant to part with Austin Reaves or any unprotected future first-round picks, but there is confidence that a deal can be structured without mortgaging key pieces of the young core.
From Portland’s perspective, the decision to trade Williams comes down to long-term planning and asset accumulation. With young center Deandre Ayton already on the roster, and promising rookie Donovan Clingan added via the 2025 NBA Draft, the Blazers are stocked with size and have little incentive to invest heavily in a player with an uncertain health profile. By moving Williams, they can add further picks or young talent to their war chest, potentially speeding up the rebuilding process or giving themselves flexibility in future trades. It’s a pragmatic move for a team not yet ready to contend.
For the Lakers, however, this move signals an aggressive push toward contending now. LeBron James’ window is closing, and the front office is under pressure to maximize what could be the final seasons of his remarkable career. JJ Redick, taking over in his first head coaching role, is said to be fully on board with acquiring a defensive-minded center who can help stabilize the team’s identity on that end of the floor. Redick’s own philosophy, which leans heavily on ball movement, spacing, and team defense, would benefit significantly from a player like Williams who doesn’t require offensive touches to make an impact.
The timing of this reported deal is also significant. With Team USA preparing for the 2025 FIBA World Cup and much of the league focused on offseason workouts and player development, a move like this could generate momentum for the Lakers ahead of training camp. Integrating Williams into the team during the preseason would allow him to build chemistry with his new teammates, adapt to the system, and recover at a managed pace from his injury setbacks.
Beyond basketball, this move would also represent a strong public statement from the Lakers’ front office. After years of uneven roster construction and midseason scrambling for solutions, fans and analysts alike have called for more intentional team-building. Acquiring a player like Robert Williams III — even with the injury risk — shows a willingness to bet on upside and address a glaring weakness before it becomes a crisis. It also demonstrates faith in the coaching staff’s ability to manage talent and health effectively over a grueling season.
If the deal goes through, it’s likely Williams would come off the bench initially, with spot starts depending on matchups and Davis’ availability. Over time, he could carve out a larger role, potentially closing games alongside Davis or being deployed as a defensive specialist in high-leverage situations. His contract, which runs through the 2025–26 season, offers cost certainty and could be a bargain if he returns to his 2022 form.
The Lakers’ path to championship contention remains challenging. Western Conference rivals such as the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder continue to improve and pose significant threats. But in the NBA, sometimes a single move — particularly one that reinforces a team’s identity — can shift the trajectory of a season. Adding Robert Williams III wouldn’t solve every problem for the Lakers, but it would be a substantial step in the right direction.
Of course, questions remain. Can Williams stay healthy for the majority of the season? Will the Lakers’ training staff be able to manage his workload effectively? And can he develop chemistry with a new group quickly enough to make a meaningful impact by the playoffs? These are all legitimate concerns, but they are balanced by the significant upside of adding one of the league’s most disruptive defensive players at a position of need.
As the NBA world waits for confirmation, fans in Los Angeles are buzzing with excitement — and a bit of cautious optimism. In a league where margins are razor-thin and every advantage matters, the Lakers may be about to make a move that not only reshapes their defense but also reaffirms their commitment to competing at the highest level. Whether it ends in a deep playoff run or another round of frustration will depend on more than just one player — but in Robert Williams III, the Lakers may have found a missing piece that’s been eluding them since their 2020 championship.
Stay tuned. This story is developing.
