The Lakers need more talent to compete at the highest levels in the Western Conference. They may explore the trade market to do exactly that.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin noted during a recent appearance on the Hoop Collective podcast that centers like Jonas Valanciunas and Nicolas Claxton could be options for Los Angeles. There was a third name the insider mentioned that makes the most sense given the Lakers’ limited assets.
Here’s the trade the Lakers can afford to make while still giving them the upside they’re looking for.
Lakers potential trade for Robert Williams III
McMenamin posited that Robert Williams III could also be on the Lakers’ radar.
The 2022 All-Defensive center recently returned to Portland’s lineup after yet another injury, and he’s played very well thus far. He’s averaging 12.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks in just 18.0 minutes per game.
The Lakers are operating above the first apron of the salary cap, so they can’t take in more money than they send out in a trade. They also have limited draft picks to get a deal done. They have two first-round picks to move, which they have been extremely reluctant to part with. More available are the five second-rounders and three first-round pick swaps at their disposal.
They wouldn’t have to dip into much of that base to get Williams.
The cost here is minimal. Vincent hasn’t been hitting shots since he got to Los Angeles. The team already signaled that they are moving on from Hood-Schifino after not picking up his third-year option. He could be gone next summer for no return. And second-round picks are usually available if the Lakers need to replenish their stash. The Thunder recently traded five of them for the No. 26 pick in the 2024 draft, for example.
Williams carries very serious injury risks, which is why he’s available at a discount. He’s averaged only 36 games per season in his career, including just 41 over the past two years. If he does get hurt again, the Lakers will be stuck with his $13.3 million salary dead on their books next year.
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