Lakers Trade Rumors: $48 Million Shot‑Blocker Set to Back Up Deandre Ayton
The Lakers have already made major moves this summer, securing Deandre Ayton as their starting center and adding solid veteran guards like Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. Yet attention is shifting to reinforcing the frontcourt depth, with trade rumors intensifying around a $48 million defensive specialist expected to fill the backup center role behind Ayton .
The Target: Robert Williams III
According to Sportskeeda, the Lakers are showing serious interest in Robert Williams III, who fits almost perfectly as a shot‑blocking anchor in limited minutes. The proposed deal sees the Lakers acquiring Williams—on the final year of his $48 million contract—while sending Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and a 2032 second‑round pick to Portland (Sportskeeda).
Williams is a proven rim protector, averaging around 1.7 to 2.1 blocks per game across his career, and his defensive versatility allows him to switch onto perimeter players when needed. If healthy, he offers an elite defensive boost on the second unit (
✅ What Makes the Fit So Compelling
Competitive Price & Flexibility
- Williams has one year left on his deal, earning approximately $13.3 million next season, which aligns with L.A.’s strategy of keeping cap space intact for future flexibility (2027 window) .
- Kleber’s expiring salary and a young asset like Knecht soften the financial burden and maintain roster flexibility.
Defensive Assurance
- His rim protection addresses a glaring weakness the Lakers faced in last season’s playoff run, where their interior defense buckled under physical forwards like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert
Backup for Ayton
- While Ayton brings size and rebounding, he’s not always consistent defensively and has injury risks. Williams’ availability and defensive instincts make him an ideal complement in case Ayton rests or gets injured mid‑series
The Broader Backup‑Center Market
L.A.’s front office appears to be exploring multiple trade options beyond Robert Williams. Current buzz includes:
- Nick Richards (Phoenix Suns): A proven rotational center on a $5 million expiring contract, Richards averaged ~9.5 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. The Lakers were reportedly among the teams that inquired before Ayton was signed
- Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks): Bleacher Report floated a scenario involving Robinson in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt, a 2025 second‑round pick, and 2026 first‑round pick swap rights. He’s an elite shot‑blocker and lob‑finisher, albeit with noted free‑throw struggles and injury concerns (fadeawayworld.net).
- Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors): If Poeltl doesn’t re‑sign in Toronto, LA is seen as a possible suitor. He’s consistent, durable, and averaged ~12.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks recently (Lakers Daily).
- Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets): A fan favorite, Claxton is seen as the ideal long‑term upgrade with elite shot‑blocking, athleticism, and compatibility next to Luka Doncic. However, his trade price is expected to be steep given his salary and contract term (Silver Screen and Roll).
- Daniel Gafford, Brook Lopez, Yves Missi, and others: Each has been floated as potential fit based on cost, fit, or availability. Missi was mentioned as a developmental option; Gafford and Lopez as viable vets (Silver Screen and Roll).
⚠ Risks & Considerations
William’s Injury History
Robert Williams has only once played over 52 games in a season. That durability concern tempers his upside for LA, making this a high‑risk, high‑reward addition
Asset Cost
Trading away Kleber and Knecht plus draft equity might not appease fans hoping for longer‑term upside or multi‑year positional depth.
Fan Expectations & Fit
While Claxton and Kessler are more hyped in public polls and fan communities, capturing them may cost more in long‑term salary or draft collateral. L.A. appears to be balancing pay‑now minimal risk picks versus long‑term upside bets (Silver Screen and Roll).
How This Fits L.A.’s Overall Vision
With LeBron James entering age‑40 season and Luka Doncic firmly established in purple and gold, the Lakers are assembling a roster built around elite ball handlers with rim threats running off the pick‑and‑roll. Ayton gives them the size; now they need a reliable defensive anchor behind him to keep pace with Western playoff contenders
By retaining Ayton as the anchor and acquiring a specialist like Williams, the Lakers seek to avoid overloading their main rotation with double‑duty minutes—a mistake that haunted them in key playoff games last season.
Final Analysis: Is the Williams Plan Smart?
- Yes, if you believe the betting odds on his health, he brings elite defense, team flexibility, and does not block future cap space.
- No, if you prefer longer‑term assets, more durable options, or someone with fewer injury concerns.
This proposed $48 million trade for Robert Williams III fits the Lakers’ short‑term championship push by solidifying the backup center spot without jeopardizing future flexibility. But fans and analysts will be watching closer to training camp to see whether Nick Richards, Mitchell Robinson, or even a surprise like Claxton becomes LA’s pick instead.
Bottom Line
- The trade rumor centers on Robert Williams III as a backup shot‑blocker behind Ayton—one year left on $48M contract.
- L.A. could send Kleber, Knecht, and a 2032 second‑rounder to Portland in exchange .
- Williams offers elite rim protection but comes with injury risk.
- Other viable trade slices include Richards, Robinson, Poeltl, Claxton, etc.
- Lakers aim to improve rotation depth and interior defense while preserving future cap flexibility.
Let me know if you’d like a side‑by‑side comparison or breakdown of any alternate trade targets like Claxton, Poeltl, or Gafford!
