Latest news with #RobertWilliamsIII
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Reportedly Eyeing $54 Million Boston Celtics Center to Bolster Squad Around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) and guard Stephen Curry (30) shake hands after an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Chicago. (Image via AP Photo/Erin Hooley) The Golden State Warriors could have compelling reasons to pursue Robert Williams III in the latest trade rumors circulating ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. The trade discussions suggest a potential deal that would bring Williams, a dynamic and athletic center, to the Warriors, filling a critical gap in their roster. One name that could address this gap is Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III. Despite being injury-prone, the 27-year-old remains one of the NBA's most impactful rim protectors when healthy. Reports suggest that Williams could become a prime trade target before the season's deadline, attracting interest from contenders like Golden State. Why Robert Williams III Fits the Golden State Warriors' Needs Stephen Curry , Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green would all benefit from Robert Williams III's defensive instincts and vertical spacing. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and lob-finishing abilities would add a new dimension to the Warriors' frontcourt. As ClutchPoints' Rohan Brahmbhatt noted, 'Robert Williams III is one of the NBA's most tantalizing big men when healthy. His rim protection, lob-finishing ability, and defensive IQ make him a game-changer in short bursts. ' Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry (Image credit: Getty Images) A potential trade package could see Golden State sending Buddy Hield and future draft compensation to Portland. This would give the Golden State Warriors a younger, more athletic center option, while the Blazers could open minutes for developing big Yang Hansen and secure assets for the future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What is an insulated prefabricated house and how much does it cost? (View) Prefabricated Homes View Deals Undo Robert Williams III's Recent Performance In the 2024-25 season, Williams played 20 games for Portland, averaging: Points Rebounds Blocks Defensive Box Plus-Minus 5.8 5.9 1.7 3.2 His best stretch came during his Boston Celtics tenure in 2021-22, when he finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned All-Defensive Second Team honors. Risk and Reward for Golden State Williams' health remains the biggest question mark. However, if he stays on the court, a defensive trio of Butler, Green, and Williams could make life miserable for opposing offenses. For a Warriors team looking to stay competitive in the West, this move could be worth the gamble - especially if it helps extend Stephen Curry's championship window. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Eye Potential Austin Reaves Trade for $36.37 Million Sacramento Kings Star Duo; Austin Reaves Key Trade Asset? If executed, the deal would give Golden State a unique blend of defensive grit and athleticism, potentially turning them into a more complete team capable of contending deep into the playoffs. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Lakers Should Make These 2 Moves To Complete Their Offseason Roster Building Project
The Lakers Should Make These 2 Moves To Complete Their Offseason Roster Building Project originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers have had a largely fruitful offseason. Along with some key additions to the roster, the Lakers have also successfully locked in their superstar, Luka Doncic, for the foreseeable future. By addressing the majority of their needs, the Purple and Gold find themselves in a much more balanced position moving forward. With a solid roster in place and two superstars who share a common goal, the Lakers are ready to compete. But with championship aspirations in mind, there is some skepticism about the Lakers' ability to truly contend. While additions like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart undoubtedly help, the Western Conference next season will be crowded with competitive teams vying for the top spot. To address this, the Purple and Gold may need to make a few more moves to reinforce their overall roster strength. It is also important to keep a roster spot open for a potential midseason buyout signing. Thus, we look at two moves the Lakers should make to ensure their offseason efforts result in success during the regular season. Trade For Robert Williams III The Lakers' biggest issue heading into the offseason was their lack of a big man rotation. Although they addressed it by signing Ayton and re-signing Hayes, the team could still use another reliable big man. Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber have been the primary assets mentioned in recent Lakers trade rumors. Knecht has garnered some interest due to his potential as a sharpshooter and scoring ability. Meanwhile, Kleber's $11.0 expiring contract could be viewed favorably by a team like the Portland Trail Blazers. This deal is aligned with the team's needs. Robert Williams III could prove to be a tremendous backup center to Ayton, should the Lakers succeed in acquiring him. The 27-year-old has all the makings of a key rotational center. Injuries hindered his performances last season, as he only appeared in 20 games for the Blazers. But he still put up an average of 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. The former Celtics big man has prior playoff experience, having even made it to the NBA Finals in 2022. He has demonstrated his athletic ability as well, making him an ideal fit in the Lakers' system. Most importantly, Williams has showcased impressive defensive upside. His athleticism and strength allow him to establish himself on the low block and become an effective rim protector. This could be vital in the Lakers' second unit once Ayton is off the floor. The biggest concern with this trade is his injury-prone nature. When considering that he has only played in a total of 26 games over the last two seasons, the Lakers could be taking a risk by acquiring him. Sign Kevin Love In The Event Of A Buyout By completing the trade for Robert Williams III, the Lakers would effectively clear up two roster spots, allowing them to make one more signing before starting the season. In this event, signing Kevin Love could be in their best interests. Love was traded from the Miami Heat to the Utah Jazz this offseason. The speculation is that the Jazz will buy out Love's contract soon, making him a free agent. Given the former champion's preference for a glamor market like Los Angeles, the Lakers would be wise to pursue him. The five-time All-Star could be a good addition for several reasons. While he hasn't been a lethal offensive threat, he remains a solid rebounder and floor-spacing big man. Last season, he recorded an average of 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc. He only averaged 10.9 minutes per game. When considering the kind of role he would be asked to fulfill, Love would effectively be a replacement for Maxi Kleber. His existing chemistry with LeBron James would help ease his transition into the rotation, allowing him to be effective sooner. Love brings a lot of veteran leadership and championship experience to the team. This could be quite valuable for the Lakers as they prepare to mount a title charge in the upcoming season. Can The Lakers Contend For The Title? The Purple and Gold will be a more balanced team heading into the next season. With depth in key positions, the Lakers will certainly be a more competitive team. However, their ability to contend for the title will depend upon the performance of their new players, as well as their stars. In light of his offseason conditioning, Doncic is poised to have an MVP-caliber season if he can sustain this form. Meanwhile, the contributions of players such as Smart and Ayton will be essential in shoring up the secondary scoring and the defense. If health isn't a concern, the Lakers could be a dark horse to come out of the West. But given the sheer depth of some of the rosters in the conference, it would be difficult to emerge story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Emerge As Favorites To Trade For Robert Williams III
Lakers Emerge As Favorites To Trade For Robert Williams III originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers may not be done making moves. According to the latest betting odds, they've emerged as the clear favorites to land Robert Williams III in a potential trade. At +185, the Lakers sit atop the odds board (per Bovada), well ahead of other suitors like the Golden State Warriors (+255), Milwaukee Bucks (+375), and even the Boston Celtics (+475). While nothing is imminent, all signs point to L.A. exploring another major roster upgrade. Williams, a 6'9' defensive anchor with elite rim protection and rebounding instincts, would be a natural fit in a Lakers rotation that's still looking to solidify its frontcourt. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic both locked in for a title push, bringing in a lob-catching, shot-blocking big man could be exactly what this team needs to round out its playoff core. During his time with the Celtics, Williams picked up some valuable championship habits as he played behind some of the best players in the world (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown). In the first five years of his career, he averaged 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game on 73.2% shooting. Unfortunately, things hit a wall in Portland, where he's played just 26 games over the past two seasons due to a string of injuries. With injuries limiting his availability, Williams is widely viewed as expendable in Portland, and the Lakers are, so far, leading the pack for his services. With a potential package that includes Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers are in good shape to land the young defensive big man if he becomes available. If the trade goes through, Williams would become the second former Blazer to join L.A. this summer, following Deandre Ayton, and he'd have an amazing impact in their frontcourt. Off the bench, Williams can provide a major boost if he's able to stay healthy. As one of the league's best rim protectors and most versatile defenders, his value goes beyond what the numbers show, and if the Lakers can bring out the best in him, it could change how they match up against the best teams in the league. At the very least, Williams' presence adds a defensive interior threat to complement Luka Doncic's offensive brilliance. As for other teams, the Warriors and Celtics need some center depth, and Williams could fill that need if they're willing to pay the price. Even after the Myles Turner signing, the Bucks could use some more firepower, and Williams could make a nice pairing alongside Bobby Portis off the bench. Finally, there's the Celtics. A return to Boston would be the ultimate full-circle moment for Williams. He had his most successful seasons there, and his impact in the frontcourt is much-needed after the departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. The Lakers have been aggressive all offseason, and a move for Robert Williams III would be another signal that they're not done building. With championship expectations hanging over the franchise, every marginal upgrade counts. If healthy, Williams gives them something they've lacked: an elite rim protector who can anchor the paint behind their stars. And in today's Western Conference arms race, that might be the missing piece that puts them over the story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Might Acquire Robert Williams III In 3 Different Trade Scenarios
Lakers Might Acquire Robert Williams III In 3 Different Trade Scenarios originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Following the acquisition of Deandre Ayton via buyout, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be doubling down on their bid to shore up rim defense and frontcourt depth. Ayton's arrival addresses their starting center gap around Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but with concerns still looming around consistency and durability, Los Angeles has reportedly set its sights on a proven interior presence: Robert Williams III. Sources indicate that the Lakers are now one of the major favorites to land Williams, potentially surpassing contenders like Golden State, Milwaukee, and Boston. L.A. has already initiated trade talks with the Portland Trail Blazers regarding the former All-Defensive center, and insiders report Williams remains firmly on their list of top trade targets for the position. While Williams brings elite shot-blocking instincts, lob threat ability, and pick-and-roll savvy, his injury history casts a shadow over his availability; he's averaged fewer than 40 games in five of seven NBA seasons. That makes any potential deal a high-reward, high-risk swing, but one that the Lakers may feel is worth attempting, given their championship aspirations and Ayton's role as the roster anchor. In this context, we explore three distinct trade scenarios through which L.A. could realistically acquire Williams III to serve as Ayton's understudy, solutions that blend opportunity, ambition, and strategic roster flexibility. The Most Likely Accepted Trade Offer Involving A Pick Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, 2032 Second-Round Pick In this scenario, the Lakers acquire Robert Williams III, sending Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and a 2032 second-round pick to Portland. This aligns with expectations; Blazers are believed to demand 'multiple second-round picks' when trading Williams. Including Knecht as a promising rookie and Vincent, a veteran guard, adds tangible value alongside draft capital. For L.A., this deal accomplishes multiple goals. Robert Williams brings elite rim protection. He averaged 5.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.7 BPG in just 17.6 minutes per game while shooting 64.1% in 2024-25 with Portland, showing impact in limited time. Filling the Laker's backup center role behind Ayton, his defensive drops and rebounding give them a certified anchor. From Portland's perspective, Gabe Vincent provides experience; he averaged about 7.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, and nearly 0.7 steals per game over six seasons. Knecht, the 2024 first-round pick, averaged 9.1 PPG on .461/.376 shooting, emerging as a shot-creator and 3-point threat in limited minutes. Combined with future draft flexibility, this package could satisfy Portland's asking price while offloading injury risk tied to Williams. A Simple And Two-For-One Swap Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber This package sends Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber to Portland for Williams. It streamlines the deal, no picks or extra guards, making it cleaner from a Lakers salary and roster standpoint. Kleber, as a veteran big man and long-range shooter, helps with trade matching and adds frontcourt depth for Portland immediately. For L.A., giving up Kleber is less painful than parting with Vincent, as Kleber has been a more expendable rotational cover, especially with Ayton and Jaxson Hayes on the roster. And Knecht remains a promising young talent: as a rookie, he averaged about 9.1 PPG on 37.6% from deep, with 2.8 RPG in 19.2 minutes per game. If he continues to develop, L.A. would feel comfortable packaging him, knowing they're upgrading in the frontcourt now with Williams. For Portland, acquiring Kleber (a stretch big) and the upside of Knecht gives them both depth and a youth piece. Given Williams' injury history, they're likely reluctant to retain him long-term alone; they may prefer a roster upgrade that contributes right away, rather than waiting on Knecht's ceiling or relying solely on draft capital. The Deal The Lakers Would Probably Want To Avoid Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt Here, Portland would receive Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt for Williams. The inclusion of Vanderbilt, a high-energy defender and versatile forward, diminishes the Lakers' frontcourt balance, and losing two youngsters isn't the ideal situation. This would also crowd the frontcourt logjam while sending Williams' backup role to someone with significantly overlapping skillsets. Vanderbilt logged only about 15-16 minutes per game with limited offensive upside, while Knecht offers shooting and development potential, but giving up both players removes flexibility and continuity for L.A. The Lakers would probably want to acquire Williams if it means losing Knecht, but including Vanderbilt ahead of veterans like Vincent or Kleber makes this deal a little more unlikely for them. That means Rob Pelinka will want to use one of the first two trades rather than this one, although Portland might value this deal story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Acquire $48 Million Boston Celtics Star to Bolster Frontcourt Depth; Maxi Kleber Key Trade Asset?
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty) The Los Angeles Lakers are actively reshaping their roster around stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James , and with free agency well underway, their recent moves suggest a clear push toward defense, depth, and chemistry. However, one NBA analyst believes there's still one more move the Lakers should make - part ways with Maxi Kleber and bring in Marcus Smart's former Boston Celtics teammate, Robert Williams III. Marcus Smart Joins Los Angeles Lakers - Thanks in Part to Luka Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by signing defensive specialist Marcus Smart. The deal gives Los Angeles a major upgrade in perimeter defense. According to The Athletic's Dan Woike, Luka Doncic reportedly played a role in facilitating Smart's addition to the team, showing his growing influence within the franchise's front office decisions. Smart, known for his gritty play and leadership, immediately becomes a vocal anchor in the Lakers' backcourt. But for some, the story shouldn't end there. Robert Williams III: The Ideal Reunion Target Analyst Caleb Hightower suggests that the Los Angeles Lakers should look to reunite Smart with Robert Williams III, his former teammate in Boston. 'Before the offseason ends, though, the Lakers should cut ties with a 6-foot-10 forward and reunite Smart with his 27-year-old former Boston Celtics teammate,' writes Hightower. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Struggling With Belly Fat? Try This at Home Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Williams, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, spent five productive seasons with Smart in Boston. The duo developed a strong on-court connection, especially during Boston's 2021–22 NBA Finals run. Robert Williams III: Career-Best Season (2021–22) Robert Williams (Image via Getty) Stat Category Value Points Per Game 10.0 Rebounds Per Game 9.7 Blocks Per Game 2.2 Field Goal % 73.6% Williams thrived during that campaign, bringing energy, elite shot-blocking, and rim-running ability — attributes the current Lakers bench lacks at the center position. Why the Los Angeles Lakers Should Consider Trading Maxi Kleber Maxi Kleber, while a solid rotational big man, has struggled with consistency and health in recent seasons. By moving Kleber, along with guard Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick, the Los Angeles Lakers could potentially land Williams and enhance their interior presence behind Deandre Ayton. Proposed Trade Package To Portland To Los Angeles Maxi Kleber Robert Williams III Gabe Vincent Future 2nd-round pick This move would free up cap flexibility and bring in a center who already shares chemistry with Smart. Moreover, Williams' relentless motor and defensive instincts make him an ideal fit alongside elite playmakers like Doncic and James. Concerns Around Williams' Injury History Despite his potential, Robert Williams comes with notable injury concerns. Since leaving Boston after the 2022–23 season, the 27-year-old has only managed to appear in 26 regular-season games across two years in Portland. His health has become a recurring issue, raising valid questions about his long-term durability. Still, for a team seeking championship contention, calculated risks are often part of the process. Robert Williams: Risk vs. Reward Pros • Elite rim protector • Strong chemistry with Marcus Smart • High field goal percentage and energy • Proven playoff experience Cons • History of injuries • Limited availability • Could require load management Reuniting Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III could give the Los Angeles Lakers a defensive identity that hasn't been seen in years. While Williams isn't a guaranteed game-changer due to his health, his upside and history with Smart make him a compelling target. The Lakers have already started - adding Williams might be the next smart step in completing the puzzle. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Target $35.25 Million Toronto Raptors Big Man as Al Horford Backup Plan As Caleb Hightower points out, it's a reunion that 'would not pair Smart with a familiar face, but also give the Los Angeles Lakers a more proven backup center option.' That's a trade worth exploring before the offseason window closes. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
