Lakers reportedly eye free-agent center Robert Williams III
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The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to target help at center when free agency opens, and league chatter indicates Robert Williams III has moved to the top of their list.
During a recent segment on ESPN, front-office insider Bobby Marks said Williams generated “the most buzz” among executives gathered in Chicago last week. Marks noted the 27-year-old offers the exact blend the Lakers are seeking: a rim-protecting, lob-finishing big who can complement Luka Doncic.
Williams, coming off his third season with the Portland Trail Blazers, will enter the market as an unrestricted free agent. Marks estimated the price tag for the 6-foot-9 center could fall in the $12–13 million annual range, adding that multiple teams are expected to compete for his services.
Health remains the primary question mark. Williams has suited up for only 85 games over the past three seasons and has never appeared in more than 61 contests in a single year. Multiple knee surgeries have limited his availability, a recurring concern for frontcourt players.
When active, the former Boston Celtics first-round pick has shown playoff mettle. Marks pointed out that Williams was one of the few defenders who held his own against Victor Wembanyama in the opening round of this year’s postseason.
The Lakers’ offseason extends beyond the court. The franchise is finalizing its front-office restructuring and has hired former New Orleans Pelicans executive Rohan Ramadas as an assistant general manager focused on strategy, data and analytics.
Los Angeles will now weigh whether Williams’ upside offsets his injury history as the team continues its search for an ideal frontcourt partner for Doncic.
Source: Lakers Nation
