Trail Blazers Set to Face Stiff Competition to Retain Robert Williams III

Robert Williams III is set to face stiff competition for a Portland Trail Blazers return, with the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly monitoring his free-agency window. NBA insider Jake Fischer confirmed the Lakers as one of the teams closely tracking Williams’ situation, citing their need for a two-way rim-running center. Portland has already stated it wants the veteran back, and talks are expected to begin as contractual discussions shift to the offseason market.

Williams’ 2025-26 run was underpinned by a Blazers workload plan that helped him play 59 games, the second-most in his eight-year career. He averaged 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes, ranking 13th in block rate among 361 qualifying players per Spotrac. The Blazers drafted Chinese center Yang Hansen with the No. 16 pick, which could affect rotation minutes, though Williams’ postseason impact supported a potential non-taxpayer MLE offer as free agency begins June 30.