The Los Angeles Lakers have continually failed to find their long-term starting center. They were hoping the Portland Trail Blazers' decision to buy out Deandre Ayton last summer would provide a cheap solution to that ongoing problem.
Although that appeared to be the case early on in the season, the Lakers and head coach JJ Redick eventually realized why the Blazers were so willing to move on from the former No. 1 overall pick.
Ayton now has an $8.1 million player option for next season, which is reasonable value considering the Lakers' desperation at the position. That said, this season proved that Ayton was a stopgap rather than a long-term solution -- an issue compounded by his poor fit alongside superstar Luka Doncic.
Los Angeles promised Doncic a similar roster construction to what he had in Dallas, which led to a Finals appearance in 2024. So far, they've fallen short of those expectations, exposing Rob Pelinka's flaws as an extremely overrated general manager.
Lakers have expressed interest in Robert Williams III
Unfortunately for Lakers fans, that inability to surround Doncic with a complementary big man could bleed into next season. NBA Insider Jake Fischer recently reported via The Stein Line that the Lakers are targeting both Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III in free agency, but both may stay put.
"The Lakers have been linked to all sorts of veteran big men in the forthcoming free agent market as well. They could emerge as a suitor for the Knicks' Mitchell Robinson and the Trail Blazers' Robert Williams III, although sources say both players are very open to remaining in their incumbent roles with the Knicks and Blazers."
Williams is eligible for up to a four-year, $87 million extension, which he can sign until June 30. From a financial standpoint, Portland is able to retain both veterans Williams and Matisse Thybulle, though the former should be considered the top priority this summer.
Why Lakers fans should temper expectations (yet again)
Williams has become an essential part of Portland's roster, coming off a 59-game season that was the second most in his injury-riddled career. He solidified his place on this team this season, giving Portland another frontcourt dimension and even outplaying Donovan Clingan in their first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs.
Another factor Portland must consider is the uncertainty surrounding Yang Hansen, who was essentially unplayable throughout his rookie campaign. Not to say Hansen is a bust, but extending Williams would provide Portland more time to gain much-needed clarity surrounding their draft gamble.
The Lakers aren't the only team with expected interest in Williams, which should, unfortunately, drive up his value around the league. The Blazers should make retaining Time Lord a top priority this offseason, but they also can't ignore his concerning and extensive injury history. Assuming they can include an injury-protection or games-played clause, Portland absolutely needs to keep Williams as a key part of their frontcourt and defensive identity.
Per usual, the Lakers and their fans will likely have to pivot their unrealistic target elsewhere. The blockbuster Doncic trade was a surprising exception. Still, Pelinka has failed to surround LeBron with the necessary pieces since joining LA -- a shortcoming that hasn't been brought up enough when discussing his legacy.
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