Lakers Trade Rumors: Robert Williams Eyed as Frontcourt Target After Injury Return

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams and Washington Wizards big man Jonas Valančiūnas have been mentioned as the "two guys piquing the [Los Angeles Lakers'] interest right now" prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported that news on the Rich Eisen Show Thursday (two-minute mark).

Williams missed time at the beginning of the year due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain suffered during training camp. He made his debut on Nov. 8 but then suffered a concussion on Nov. 25 after falling to the floor against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Thankfully, Williams returned to the court on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. In eight games, Williams has averaged 9.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 18.5 minutes per contest.

Valančiūnas has posted 12.0 points and 7.6 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game over 24 contests (six starts). He's been in and out (mostly out) of the starting lineup, and his playing time has been sporadic, including a season-low nine minutes against the Boston Celtics last Sunday.

The Lakers started strong at 10-4 but have been in a 4-8 tailspin ever since. That stretch included losses that saw L.A. give up 134 points in back-to-back losses on Dec. 4 and 6 to the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks, respectively.

L.A. has won two of its last three to stop the bleeding a bit, but it's clear the Lakers need some help.

For starters, the Lakers could use more backcourt depth with the team simply not getting enough production (or efficiency) from players such as Gabe Vincent, Max Christie and D'Angelo Russell right now.

However, L.A. also could use a veteran big man to ease Anthony Davis' burden and provide some minutes at the 5.

Valančiūnas just signed a three-year, $30 million deal with Washington, but it's certainly possible he could be moved given his diminishing impact on a 3-21 team sitting last in the entire NBA. Plus, James is a fan of his, as ESPN's Dave McMenamin noted in July.

"James' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN that his client was willing to take even less money in order to open up the $12.9 midlevel exception for the Lakers to use to try to sign an 'impact player.' The players who fit that bill included Klay Thompson, James Harden, Jonas Valančiūnas and DeMar DeRozan, sources told ESPN."

Williams could be a great fit in L.A. as well, but his big issue right now is injuries. He missed all but six games last year after suffering a patellar dislocation.

In March 2022, Williams suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, and he played just 35 games in 2022-23.

If Williams can stay healthy, he could be a huge pickup for his next team. His contract isn't prohibitive for a move with two years and $12 million remaining on a deal that runs through 2025-26. Portland could, in theory, look to deal him with the team already having big men Deandre Ayton and rookie Donovan Clingan on the roster.

In sum, Valančiūnas and Williams are two big names to watch right now as the Lakers look to rise past their mediocre start.