The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to make a significant splash this offseason as they look to bolster their frontcourt around superstar Luka Doncic. Following Deandre Ayton’s underwhelming playoff performances, the franchise has turned its attention to one of the most intriguing unrestricted free agent centers available: Robert Williams III.
According to ESPN analyst Bobby Marks, Williams has generated substantial buzz around the league. Speaking on The Sedano & Kap Morning Show, Marks highlighted the former Boston Celtics big man as a prime target not only for the Lakers but for multiple contending teams.
“The one name that picked up the most buzz, a lot of teams in Chicago last week, was Robert Williams,” Marks said. “That’s the name. You have to be cautious with that because of his games availability, the minutes. That’s the one guy, I don’t want to say neutralized Victor Wembanyama, but I think guarded him probably one of the best certainly in the playoffs in the first round.”
Marks emphasized Williams’ elite defensive tools and finishing ability, describing him as a perfect fit alongside Doncic. “That would be the guy. He’s probably one of the top unrestricted free agent centers out there. I think he gives you that shot blocker, that rim protector, that guy that can lob threat for Luka Doncic.”
Williams, who joined the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023, is projected to command an annual salary in the range of $12-13 million. The Lakers will face stiff competition from teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Building a Championship Core Around Luka Doncic
The Lakers’ offseason strategy revolves entirely around maximizing Luka Doncic’s elite playmaking and scoring. After signing a contract extension, Doncic is counting on the front office to deliver the supporting pieces necessary to contend for a title.
Key priorities include adding a reliable lob threat capable of finishing at the rim at an elite rate — in the mold of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. Williams’ career 71% finishing rate around the basket and 1.6 blocks per game average make him an ideal candidate to provide both vertical spacing for Doncic and elite rim protection on the other end.
Beyond the center position, Los Angeles is seeking greater athleticism, two-way defensive wings, and a secondary playmaker to complement Doncic. The Slovenian superstar has historically thrived alongside scoring guards such as Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving, a formula that helped the Dallas Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024. Austin Reaves remains a long-term backcourt preference for Doncic.
Luka’s Recovery and Focus
While the front office works to reshape the roster, Doncic is using the offseason to recover from a Grade 2 hamstring strain that sidelined him during the 2026 NBA playoffs. He has opted not to represent Slovenia in the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying window, choosing instead to spend time with his daughters after a challenging personal year.
The Lakers now have roughly four months to finalize their roster moves before training camp begins. Adding a defensive anchor like Robert Williams III could instantly transform their interior presence and make them a much more formidable opponent in a loaded Western Conference.
If the marriage between Doncic’s vision and Williams’ athleticism and shot-blocking materializes, the Lakers may have found the missing piece to go from playoff hopefuls to legitimate title contenders. The Western Conference has been put on notice.