The Los Angeles Lakers, having secured Deandre Ayton on July 6 to fill their starting center role, are now reportedly considering Robert Williams III as a backup center to support their frontcourt. This move aims to address depth issues following the recent offseason acquisitions, but it has faced notable skepticism from fans concerned about Williams’ injury history.
News of the Lakers’ interest in bringing Robert Williams III surfaced on Friday via BetUS NBA’s report on X, sparking widespread fan reaction. Many supporters expressed doubt over the Blazers’ big man’s durability and physical conditioning, drawing unfavorable comparisons to previous Lakers players known for injuries.
One fan specifically likened Williams to Anthony Davis, a former Lakers star frequently troubled by health setbacks.
“More injury prone than AD they should steer away from him,” the fan commented.
“If he wasn’t so injury prone,” another fan said.
“Mr injury himself,” another fan said.
“Just got Smart, we don’t need another injury prone guy,” another fan said.
The conversation also included suggestions from some fans who proposed packaging Austin Reaves as part of a trade deal to acquire Williams along with Jrue Holiday.
“Robert Williams and Jrue Holiday in a package deal for Austin Reaves and bench players,” one fan said.
“If we send Reaves and Knecht it would be the happiest day of my life,” another fan said.
At this point, discussions remain preliminary and no official statements or confirmations have been issued by the Lakers or any other teams involved in such a potential deal.
Evaluating the Lakers’ Roster After Their Offseason Moves
Following a surprising rise to the top five in the Western Conference after acquiring Luka Doncic, the Lakers showed promise before being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, losing four games to one. This early postseason exit highlighted roster weaknesses that Los Angeles sought to rectify in the offseason.
To bolster their interior defense and rebounding, the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton. Despite this addition, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal voiced concerns about the Lakers’ overall team composition ahead of the new season.
In an exclusive interview with Casino Beat on July 17, Shaq identified what he saw as a critical missing element for the Lakers.
“They have a legitimate big now, got two premier players,” Shaq said. “I’m still worried about the shooting. It’s a 3-point league now. Not guys that can shoot, bonafide shooters. Guys that are guaranteed, like JJ Reddick. He was a bonafide shooter. They got the point guard, got the off-guard, got a legitimate center. Their chances are much better now.”
Shaq’s analysis reflects the NBA’s current emphasis on reliable three-point shooting, an area where the Lakers remain vulnerable. Although Austin Reaves has demonstrated shooting capabilities during regular seasons, his postseason performance was notably inconsistent, leaving some questions about his ability to provide steady offensive spacing under playoff pressure.
Implications and Next Steps for the Lakers’ Frontcourt and Shooting Depth
The Lakers’ pursuit of Robert Williams III as a backup center signals their intent to create more roster stability behind Deandre Ayton, aiming to endure the demands of a full NBA season. However, the notable fan concerns over Williams’ injury history underscore a risk that management will need to weigh carefully as they finalize roster decisions.
Simultaneously, further adjustments may be necessary to improve the team’s outside shooting, a factor Shaquille O’Neal emphasized as a competitive necessity in today’s NBA environment. Whether through additional trades, strategic signings, or expecting a stronger postseason effort from players like Austin Reaves, the Lakers face critical choices ahead to enhance both their depth and offensive consistency before the season progresses further.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Robert Williams III hurt?
A. Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers will miss four to six weeks following a knee procedure on Thursday to treat inflammation.
Q. How many surgeries has Robert Williams III had?
A. During his time with the Celtics, he had two surgeries on his left knee and managed to play 50 or more games only twice in five seasons. A torn ligament in his right knee in November needed his most significant surgery yet, ending his season soon after it began. “It was pretty tough,” Williams commented.