Lakers Trade Proposal Adds $480 Million Center in 2-for-1 Swap.

The Lakers trade search for a big man continues, though the team, like much of the league, remains in a holding pattern on the trade front, for now. The Lakers are limited in what they can do because, for one thing, they have a full roster of 15 players and, for another, they are up against the dreaded “second apron” of the NBA’s luxury tax.

Head coach JJ Redick has publicly admitted that the biggest hole in the roster is a “bruising” big guy, a player they can line up next to Anthony Davis in the middle. Davis has been the center for the Lakers pretty much since he arrived in L.A. in 2019, but he prefers to be a power forward.

With that in mind, the Lakers have been investigating their options at center. One player who makes some sense and is considered to be available on the trade market: Portland’s Robert Williams, who has had trouble staying healthy during his NBA career, but who is a terrific defensive big guy when he’s on the floor.

What’s more: He is most definitely available.

“I don’t think anyone on that roster is untouchable except maybe their young guys,” one NBA executive said of the Blazers.

“They’re asking for a lot for their pieces and I think it’s kind of a waiting game to see if the price comes down on some of those guys. But Rob (Williams) is on a good contract, he would be a huge help as long as you can keep him healthy.”