The Los Angeles Lakers wasted a valuable season of Luka Doncic's prime due to their inability to surround him with role players, specifically the big man lob threat he thrives with. The Portland Trail Blazers, flush with centers, may quietly hold the solution in Robert Williams III.
In their defense, the Lakers did acquire Doncic just before the deadline. They also had an answer in place with Charlotte's Mark Williams. However, after that deal fell through because of Williams' failed physical, it was clear that the Lakers had a fatal flaw.
The Lakers desperately need a center to pair with Luka Doncic
The three-seeded Lakers entered the playoffs favored in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, only to lose in five games. Head coach JJ Redick couldn't even rely on Jaxson Hayes, forcing them to play even smaller -- a recipe for disaster for a Wolves team with multiple frontcourt options. Even the defensive-minded Rudy Gobert had a dominant 27-point performance to put things in perspective.
The Lakers can't afford to waste another prime Luka season, especially with 40-year-old LeBron James nearing retirement. They have a few options to explore in free agency, including Brook Lopez and Clint Capela.
John Hollinger of The Athletic has Lopez as the No. 15 free agent with an estimated salary of $21.5 million, while Capela ranked No. 25 with a $15.2 million valuation. However, the Lakers won't have the full mid-level exception (MLE) of $14.1 million available, with James expected to pick up his $52.6 million player option.
They do have access to the taxpayer MLE, worth $5.6 million. Never count out the Lakers' dark magic and the appeal of playing in Los Angeles with Doncic and James, but there's a chance that won't cut it to land either Lopez or Capela.
Robert Williams III would be a perfect fit
Enter a more easily attainable target in Williams. He'd provide comparable lob threat and rim protection to Capela while offering superior perimeter defense. He'd also cost far less to acquire than other centers they'd have to trade for, like Daniel Gafford.
Yes, the injury concerns are, unfortunately, real. Williams has only played a total of 235 games so far in his seven-year career. But the Lakers are beyond desperate for a center solution to the point where they need multiple options to help fill such a gaping void. This may not be a one-player fix, and if the Lakers are piecing together a solution, Williams is an obvious target.
Williams is on an expiring deal. If he doesn't stay healthy, Los Angeles can let him walk and start over from the same place they're currently in. He's also a perfect pairing for Doncic and someone who, if healthy, can make the Lakers a dark horse contender as soon as next season.
With Doncic in his prime and James finally showing signs of Father Time catching up to him, isn't that worth taking a gamble on, given that it's a low-risk cost?
The Blazers should ask for Dalton Knecht back, who struggled to crack Redick's rotation. He'd instantly help Portland's need for shooting. But even if they have to settle for a salary filler and draft compensation, this would benefit both parties.