The Los Angeles Lakers are making waves in the NBA offseason, strategically reshaping their roster around superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James. With a flurry of free-agency moves already in the books, the Lakers are now poised to make a bold trade that could shake up their lineup and reunite newly signed guard Marcus Smart with his former Boston Celtics teammate, Robert Williams III.
Building a Contender Around Doncic and James
The Lakers kicked off free agency with a series of calculated signings, bringing in Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Jaxson Hayes to bolster their frontcourt depth. On Tuesday, they further strengthened their roster by adding Marcus Smart, a tenacious perimeter defender whose signing was reportedly influenced by Doncic himself, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike. Smart’s arrival signals the Lakers’ intent to fortify their defense while maintaining offensive firepower with Doncic and James leading the charge.
A Surprising Trade Proposal
As the offseason progresses, the Lakers are considering a significant move to part ways with 6-foot-10 forward Maxi Kleber. The proposed trade would see Kleber, guard Gabe Vincent, and a future second-round pick sent to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for center Robert Williams III. This deal would not only reshape the Lakers’ frontcourt but also reunite Smart with Williams, his former Celtics teammate who was a fan favorite in Boston for five seasons.
Robert Williams III: A High-Risk, High-Reward Target
Williams, a 27-year-old center, had his most productive season in 2021-22 with the Celtics, where he played alongside Smart. That year, the Texas A&M product averaged 10.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 73.6% from the field. His contributions helped propel Boston to the NBA Finals, showcasing his ability to dominate as a rim-running, shot-blocking big man.
However, Williams’ time with the Portland Trail Blazers over the past two seasons has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 26 regular-season games. Despite these setbacks, Williams’ unique skill set—marked by fluid athleticism, high-energy rim running, and relentless activity on both ends of the court—makes him an intriguing fit for the Lakers. His familiarity with Smart could also ease his integration into the team’s defensive schemes.
Why the Lakers Should Make the Move
Trading Kleber, Vincent, and a second-round pick for Williams represents a calculated gamble for the Lakers. While Kleber has been a reliable role player, his skill set overlaps with other frontcourt options like Ayton and Hayes. Williams, on the other hand, offers a more dynamic presence as a backup center, capable of anchoring the paint and complementing Doncic’s playmaking with his vertical spacing and rim protection.
The trade would also allow the Lakers to move on from Vincent, whose role has diminished with Smart’s arrival. A future second-round pick is a small price to pay for a player of Williams’ caliber, especially if he can stay healthy and recapture his 2021-22 form.
The Injury Concern
Williams’ injury history is undeniably a red flag. His limited availability over the past two seasons raises questions about his durability for a contending team like the Lakers. However, when healthy, Williams is a proven commodity who can make an immediate impact. His high-motor style and defensive versatility align perfectly with the Lakers’ goal of building a balanced roster capable of competing for a championship.
A Reunion Worth Exploring
Reuniting Marcus Smart with Robert Williams III could be a game-changer for the Lakers. The duo’s chemistry, forged during their time in Boston, could translate to seamless on-court synergy. Williams’ ability to finish lobs from Doncic and protect the rim alongside James would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ lineup, while Smart’s defensive tenacity would complement Williams’ paint presence.
Conclusion
The Lakers’ potential trade of Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and a second-round pick for Robert Williams III is a bold move that reflects their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster. While Williams’ injury history poses risks, his upside as a dynamic, high-energy center makes him a worthwhile target. If the Lakers can pull off this deal, they could silently reshape their roster into a powerhouse, with Smart and Williams reuniting to form a formidable defensive core alongside Doncic and James.