Lakers predicted to sign $48 million All-Defensive center, NBA champion

Lakers predicted to sign $48 million All-Defensive center, NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers will be a team that many will focus on during NBA free agency this week.

Obviously, the future of LeBron James will be the primary headline. James and the Lakers have basically had no discussions on a contract extension, and all signs point to the future Hall of Famer declining his player option and entering free agency.

Additionally, the Golden State Warriorsare preparing to pursue James and former Laker Anthony Davis, who is with the Washington Wizards but could be available for trade. These talks began on Monday after Draymond Green declined his $27 million player option, creating the flexibility for Golden State to make these moves, though Green will likely return to the Bay Area on a smaller deal as well.

As the days go on, it looks more possible that James will actually depart Los Angeles, which would open up room for the Lakers to bolster the roster at other positions.

Lakers predicted to sign center Robert Williams in NBA free agency

Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes predicts Los Angeles will make a splash signing by adding Portland Trail Blazers free agent center Robert Williams.

“Williams hasn’t been durable throughout his career, but the Lakers probably care most about what he could bring them in the postseason. That would be excellent defense, lob-catching prowess and sneakily good passing at the 5,” Hughes wrote,

Though Deandre Ayton is set to return for the Lakers after opting into his player option, Los Angeles can find an upgrade at center over the former No. 1 overall pick.

Williams isn’t the most exciting player and has a limited offensive skill set, but the 2024 NBA champion is the perfect starting center for the Lakers. Williams’ athleticism and 7-foot-6 wingspan make him an elite lob threat for Luka Doncic, who prefers to play with big men who can roll to the rim and catch lobs, as he had with the Dallas Mavericks in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.

Obviously, Williams’ rim protection is why he is such a valuable player. The 2021-2022 All-Defensive selection averaged 1.5 blocks per game in limited minutes with Portland in 2025, and the last time he was in a full-time starting role, Williams averaged over two blocks per game.

Overall, letting James walk would be a tough decision for Los Angeles, but it would free up cap space to address legit positions of need, such as center. Williams would slide right into the starting spot at the 5 and provide fantastic interior defense, along with being a solid paint scorer and rim roller for Doncic.