Lakers predicted to trade for injury prone $54M All-Defensive veteran to backup Deandre Ayton

Lakers predicted to trade for injury prone $54M All-Defensive veteran to backup Deandre Ayton originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to get back on track after a recent skid. The team started the year strong, but in the past couple of weeks, things have slowed down. Despite the struggles, LeBron James remains focused on one thing: competing for a championship.

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“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

Meanwhile, frustration has been growing around Deandre Ayton at the center position as his production has dipped.

“I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.” – JJ Redick on Deandre Ayton’s recent performances. Redick added that it’s “human nature” for Ayton’s rebounding production to dip if he doesn’t feel involved. “Said LAL will work to get Ayton early touches,” Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin wrote.

Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes the Lakers could look to trade for the Portland Trail Blazers’ backup big man to address depth concerns.

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“Yet, even with Jaxson Hayes exceeding expectations, a higher-end big man behind Deandre Ayton is a need, too. Robert Williams III retains his vertical gravity along with his defensive mobility and disruption if he's healthy. This is a big if, but that uncertainty should permit L.A. to make a play for him without surrendering any serious draft equity,” Favale wrote.

Adding Williams would be a significant boost, especially considering the Lakers’ current injury concerns. Another factor is Ayton, whose frustrations could potentially lead to him reverting to past behaviors if things don’t start going well.

If healthy, Williams would give the Lakers a strong option at center, providing both depth and defensive versatility. With minimal draft capital required, the move could strengthen a Lakers roster that needs reinforcements at the position.