The Los Angeles Lakers are building a more complete roster around Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
The organization started free agency by striking deals with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Jaxson Hayes.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles bolstered its perimeter defense by signing Marcus Smart, which, according to the Athletic’s Dan Woike, Luka Doncic had something to do with.
Before the offseason ends, though, the Lakers should cut ties with a 6-foot-10 forward and reunite Smart with his 27-year-old former Boston Celtics teammate.
Trading Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and a future second-round pick for Robert Williams III wouldn’t be a poor idea.
Williams was a fan favorite center alongside Smart in Boston for five seasons.
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Williams’ 2021-22 campaign with the Celtics was his most productive. The Texas A&M product averaged 10.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game on a Celtics squad that reached the NBA Finals, shooting 73.6% from the field.
However, Williams, like Smart, parted ways with the Celtics after the 2022-23 season.
The former first-round pick has spent two consecutive injury-riddled campaigns with the Portland Trail Blazers following his departure from Boston, only appearing in 26 regular-season contests.
Still, Williams’ fluidity as a vertical athlete, high-motor rim running, and constant activity on both ends would not only pair Smart with a familiar face, but also give the Lakers a more proven backup center option.
Injury concerns will always cast doubt on Williams’ ability to have a positive impact with a contending franchise moving forward, but he’s unquestionably an asset worth exploring a trade for.
More NBA: Lakers cut ties with recently-acquired 6-foot-5 guard after Marcus Smart news
