The Los Angeles Lakers are on a mission this offseason after the team fell short in the NBA offseason in Luka Doncic’s absence. Amid several rumors floating on social media about the future of the franchise’s Big 3, Lakers’ president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has reportedly shown interest in a big free agent, coming off a $13,285,713 salary.
ESPN analyst Bobby Marks, in an interview with Pelinka, tried to find out a name the Lakers can pursue this offseason to maximize the center position, given Deandre Ayton’s offensive woes all season long. Marks asked Pelinka if there was any chance the team could acquire a two-way center like Victor Wembanyama, while he is out of bounds.
The Lakers president revealed that Robert Williams, now a free agent, has created a lot of buzz in the NBA world. Hailing his work on Wemby in the first round of the playoffs, Pelinka said:
“That’s the one guy, I don’t wanna say neutralized Victor, but I think, guarded him probably one of the best.”
Ayton signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Lakers, as the franchise expected him to come up big beside his draft class partner, Luka Doncic. However, the center did nothing that wasn’t expected of him. His production has consistently declined year-on-year, dropping to a career-low average of 12.5 points, eight rebounds, and one block this season.
Given that he is on an expiring contract, the franchise might find it relatively easier to move him in the offseason. On the other hand, Williams, who was worth $13.2 million, came off the Portland Trail Blazers’ bench and averaged 6.7 points, seven rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
Can Robert Williams replace Deandre Ayton on the Lakers’ squad?
Even though the Blazers lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Round 1 of the playoffs, Robert Williams limited the 7-foot-4 center to just eight rebounds per game, along with 21 points. He averaged 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in the series. Moreover, he made a crucial lob dunk in the clutch moments to win Game 2 of the first round, the only game the team won.
The front office will still have to decide if they want to allow Williams to play as a starter in place of Deandre Ayton. Jaxson Hayes has done well as a backup center on the Lakers’ bench, but his contribution as a starter was not enough in games when Ayton did not play. Head coach JJ Redick and the team management must decide to fill that spot with a reliable piece.
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