The Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs, and the center position emerged as one of the clearest weaknesses exposed in the series. With Deandre Ayton struggling to provide consistent rim protection and rebounding impact alongside Luka Doncic, the Lakers are now aggressively exploring upgrades in free agency. According to ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks, one name is generating significant buzz around the league: Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III.
Appearing on ESPN LA’s Sedano & Kap Morning Show, Marks identified Williams as the most discussed free agent big man coming out of the recent NBA meetings in Chicago.
“The one name that basically picked up the most buzz, a lot of teams in Chicago last week, was Robert Williams. That’s the name.”
From Regular Season Reliability to Playoff Dominance
Robert Williams III, 28, delivered solid production in the regular season for Portland, averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 59 games. However, it was in the postseason where his true value became undeniable. Facing the San Antonio Spurs, Williams elevated his game to 9.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest while shooting nearly 63% from the field.
Beyond the numbers, Williams’ defensive presence stood out. He made life difficult for Victor Wembanyama every time the two shared the floor — something Ayton was unable to replicate against Oklahoma City’s athletic frontcourt. Ayton, who signed a two-year deal last summer, was eventually pulled from Game 3 after a sequence of back-to-back offensive rebounds by the Thunder. Throughout the season, opponents repeatedly exploited the Lakers’ interior defense.
Marks acknowledged the risk factor with Williams but remains bullish on his fit:
“Now you have to be cautious with that because the games, availability, the minutes. That’s the one guy, I don’t want to say neutralized Victor, but I think guarded him probably one of the best in the playoffs in the first round. That would be the guy.”
A Perfect Lob Threat for Luka
For a Lakers team built around Luka Doncic’s elite pick-and-roll playmaking, Williams represents an ideal complement. He offers elite rim protection, shot-blocking instincts, and finishing ability on lobs — exactly the type of vertical threat that could unlock even more of Doncic’s creativity in the half-court and transition.
The financial picture also aligns. Williams is projected to command in the range of $12–13 million annually as one of the top unrestricted free agent centers available. While that is a significant investment, the Lakers could have close to $50 million in cap space this offseason, depending on how they handle the upcoming free agency of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. Ayton holds a player option worth just over $8 million, but after the playoff disappointment, a return in the same role appears unlikely.
Competition Heating Up
The Lakers will not be the only team pursuing Williams. The Atlanta Hawks and several other clubs have already shown interest, meaning Los Angeles will need to move decisively. Still, the Lakers possess a compelling pitch: a contending roster, a superstar facilitator in Doncic, and a clear need for exactly the skill set Williams brings.
If the Lakers can secure Robert Williams III, they would be adding a proven playoff performer capable of transforming their frontcourt from a liability into a strength. After being swept by Oklahoma City, this move could be the pivotal step toward building a roster ready to go the distance in future postseasons.
The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent Lakers history — and Robert Williams III is emerging as the centerpiece of their defensive makeover.