Breaking: Lakers Eye Multiple Stars in Potential Blockbuster Trades
As the NBA season intensifies, the Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing several high-profile trade targets that could significantly alter their roster. Recent developments suggest the Lakers are exploring ambitious moves that could bring either Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks or potentially reunite Lillard with his former Portland teammate Jusuf Nurkic.
In a surprising twist, another familiar face has entered the conversation—Robert Williams III, the former Boston Celtics center now with the Portland Trail Blazers, has emerged as a potential target for the Purple and Gold, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
The Lakers’ pursuit of these players shows their commitment to strengthening their roster around aging superstar LeBron James, who turns 40 next month, and Anthony Davis, who continues to battle recurring injuries. The team’s urgency is clear—they need to make moves now to maximize their championship window.
“Portland is having a really terrible start to the year, but Timelord is back in the mix. Could Robert Williams be someone the Lakers acquire? McMenamin mentioned another plausible name on ESPN’s “Hoop Collective” program.
Among the potential deals, one proposed three-team trade package has garnered significant attention:
Lakers would receive:
- Damian Lillard
- Charles Bassey
- Sandro Mamukelashvili
Bucks would get:
- D’Angelo Russell
- Rui Hachimura
- Gabe Vincent
- Two first-round picks (2029, 2031)
- One second-round pick (2026)
Spurs would acquire:
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
- Christian Wood
- Three second-round picks
The financial aspects of these potential moves are significant. Lillard’s contract is particularly hefty, with $48.78 million due this season and over $112 million for the following two years. His deal includes a massive $58.45 million player option for 2026-27.
The Lopez option presents an intriguing alternative. The 36-year-old center is in his final year of a $48 million contract with Milwaukee. Despite his age, Lopez has proven more durable than Nurkic, playing in 78 and 79 games over the past two seasons, respectively.
The Robert Williams III possibility adds another layer to the Lakers’ options. The young center has impressed in his return from injury, averaging 12 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in just 18 minutes per game. His recent standout performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves—19 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks—showcased his potential value to a contending team.
The Lakers’ current situation makes these moves particularly urgent. Their backup center situation is precarious, with Jaxon Hayes sidelined for up to two weeks with an ankle sprain and Christian Wood out for another month following surgery complications.
First-year head coach JJ Redick has guided the team to a solid 6-4 start, but the front office clearly sees room for improvement. The Lakers’ ability to maintain their core young talent like Austin Reaves and rookie Dalton Knecht while pursuing these deals could be crucial to their long-term success.
As the trade discussions continue, one thing is clear: the Lakers are not content with their current roster. Whether through acquiring established stars like Lillard and Lopez or taking a chance on a talented but injury-prone player like Williams, the team appears ready to make bold moves to enhance their championship aspirations.
The coming weeks will be crucial as these trade rumors develop into potential deals. For now, Lakers fans can only wait and hope that the front office can pull off the right moves to boost their title chances.