The Deandre Ayton experiment in Los Angeles hasn’t exactly gone according to plan - and we’re not even through his first full season in purple and gold. What was supposed to be a stabilizing move at the center position is now raising eyebrows across Laker Nation, with fans and analysts alike wondering if the front office jumped the gun by signing him in free agency.
Ayton was brought in to bring size, presence, and consistency to the middle - the kind of anchor the Lakers have been searching for to complement their core. But so far, the returns have been mixed at best. Too often, Ayton has looked disengaged, and his production on the glass and the scoreboard hasn’t matched the expectations that come with a player of his pedigree and paycheck.
With the trade deadline looming on February 5, the Lakers are reportedly exploring their options. And one name that’s surfaced as a potential fit? Robert Williams III - a player who, when healthy, can change the dynamic of a defense in a hurry.
Now, let’s be clear: Williams comes with his own set of question marks. His injury history is well-documented, and durability has been a consistent hurdle throughout his career.
But when he’s right, Williams is a game-changer. His vertical spacing on offense - especially as a lob threat in pick-and-rolls - and his elite timing as a rim protector make him one of the more intriguing defensive bigs in the league.
According to reporting from Dan Favale, the Lakers could realistically pursue Williams without giving up significant draft capital. That’s a key factor, considering L.A. only has one tradable first-round pick on the table (either 2031 or 2032). Any move they make needs to be calculated - a swing that improves the roster without mortgaging the future.
Favale also notes that the Lakers have a roster full of one-way players, which only amplifies the need for a true two-way contributor in the frontcourt. Williams fits that mold - assuming he’s healthy. He brings defensive mobility, rim protection, and just enough offensive punch to avoid being a liability on that end.
Williams, who started his career in Boston, earned a reputation as a fan favorite with the Celtics thanks to his relentless motor and defensive instincts. He was a key part of their identity before being dealt to Portland in 2023. Since joining the Trail Blazers, he’s continued to flash that same impact - averaging 6.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season while shooting a blistering 74.2% from the field in 34 appearances.
Those numbers won’t blow anyone away at first glance, but they don’t tell the full story. Williams doesn’t need touches to be effective. He thrives in the margins - cleaning up misses, altering shots, and making hustle plays that don’t always show up in the box score but absolutely shift the momentum of games.
For the Lakers, who are in desperate need of defensive consistency and interior toughness, Williams could be the kind of low-risk, high-reward target that helps them recalibrate heading into the stretch run. Ayton’s future in L.A. remains uncertain, but if the front office is serious about contending this season, exploring a move for a player like Williams might be more than just a backup plan - it might be the spark they need.