The Los Angeles Lakers have already made noise this offseason—adding Deandre Ayton, signing Marcus Smart after a buyout, and re-signing Jaxson Hayes—but they might not be done retooling their frontcourt.
According to odds from Bovada, the Lakers are currently the betting favorites to land Robert Williams III, coming in at +185. They lead a group that includes the Golden State Warriors (+255), Milwaukee Bucks (+375), and Boston Celtics (+475).
Why the Lakers Make Sense
Williams is entering the final season of a four-year, $48 million contract. He remains one of the league’s best pure rim protectors when healthy. Drafted by the Celtics in 2018, he averaged 2.2 blocks per game in his breakout 2021–22 season. He was a key piece of Boston’s defensive identity before injuries took over.
Now with the Portland Trail Blazers, Williams is buried in a crowded frontcourt that features Donovan Clingan, Hansen Yang, and Duop Reath. With limited minutes available, Portland may look to move him—and the Lakers are reportedly watching closely.
The fit is hard to ignore. With Hayes logging significant minutes at center last season, they often struggled to protect the paint consistently. Adding Williams would give the Lakers a reliable defensive anchor who could share frontcourt minutes with Ayton, while pushing Hayes into a more defined and manageable bench role—or perhaps into minutes better suited for him at power forward.
Financially Feasible, Roster-Ready
The Lakers are well-positioned to make a move. They have over $40 million in expiring contracts on the books—including Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber—and could piece together a deal without compromising their long-term flexibility.
Dalton Knecht, a second-year wing with upside, could also be dangled if Portland pushes for youth in return.
For a team trying to stay in contention while preparing for bigger swings in the 2026 and 2027 free agency cycles, a short-term bet on a proven defender makes plenty of sense.
Warriors Among Top Contenders
The Golden State Warriors sit just behind the Lakers in the Bovada odds at +255. With Kevon Looney no longer on the roster, and Draymond Green carrying a heavier defensive load, Golden State could benefit from reinforcements. Specifically, a mobile, rim-protecting big like Robert Williams III.
Even so, their cap situation remains tight. And with limited mid-level assets available, it may be harder for the Warriors to outbid L.A.—especially if the Lakers are aggressive and motivated to strike quickly.
The Lakers’ Verdict
GettyPortland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III.
Williams is a risk. But a calculated one. His injury history is well-documented. When he’s on the floor, though, he’s a legitimate game-changer. For the Lakers, adding a player with his defensive pedigree could solidify their frontcourt. It would round out a busy offseason with one more high-upside swing.
And based on the latest odds, they’re already in the driver’s seat.
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