3 More Trades the Lakers Can Make to Build Around Luka Doncic

Robert Williams III

The Lakers ideally need to trade for two centers. The only center on their current rotation is Jaxson Hayes, and he should ideally not play significant minutes on a team with playoff aspirations.

Luka Doncic is used to playing with rim-running centers who can be lob threats for him. In Dallas, he had an excellent partnership with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively. The Lakers should try to emulate that with 48 minutes of solid center play.

Trading for Robert Williams III, along with Kessler, would give the Lakers that opportunity. When healthy, Williams is an excellent two-way center. He can switch out on the perimeter and guard smaller players while defending the rim. Offensively, he is a good finisher around the basket, rebounds well, and has some passing chops.

The biggest question surrounding Williams is his health. He missed most of last season and has only played 17 games this season. He can't play too many minutes when he is available, either. In his limited playing time, however, he is still a very impactful player, especially defensively.

Availability concerns are exactly why the Lakers should be able to acquire the former Celtics man. He is a worthy flyer as a high-risk, high-reward candidate.

The Portland Trail Blazers are in a rebuilding mode and should be willing to part ways with Time Lord in exchange for Rui Hachimura and a second-round pick. It's hard to imagine them doing better than that package, especially considering that he is under contract for one more season.