Lakers Named Favorite to Land Former Celtics Center

Lakers Named Favorite to Land Former Celtics Center originally appeared on Athlon Sports.The Los Angeles Lakers have been named the betting favorite to land Robert Williams III, according to odds released by Bovada.

The Lakers come in at +185, ahead of the Golden State Warriors (+255), Milwaukee Bucks (+375), Boston Celtics (+475) and several other contenders.Williams, a 6-foot-9 defensive anchor, is entering the final year of the four-year, $48 million contract he signed with Boston before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in October 2023.

His 2024-25 campaign ended early in March due to arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the latest setback in a career that has been defined by both elite rim protection and unfortunate injuries.Originally drafted 27th overall by the Celtics in 2018, Williams quickly earned a reputation as one of the leagues best shot blockers and interior defenders.

In 2021-22, he posted a career-high 2.2 blocks per game, and that season turned out to be the healthiest, playing and starting in a career-high 61 games.

The Lakers are the favorites to land Robert Williams III, per @BovadaOfficialLos Angeles Lakers +185Golden State Warriors +255Milwaukee Bucks +375Boston Celtics +475Houston Rockets +600New York Knicks +750Toronto Raptors +800 pic.twitter.com/3EJnJulaX4 NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 25, 2025While his health remains a concern as he only appeared in 26 games over his last two seasons, his impact when on the floor has never been in doubt.

The Lakers, who struggled defensively last season and lacked true rim protection off the bench, may view Williams as a low-risk, high-upside addition.The Lakers have undergone significant roster reshuffling this offseason.

They traded for veteran guard Marcus Smart, re-signed center Jaxson Hayes, signed former Suns big man Deandre Ayton and added forward Jake LaRavia.

Meanwhile, the franchise remains engaged in contract talks with superstar Luka Doncic, who is expected to sign a long-term extension in August.The Los Angeles Lakers are considered the betting favorites to end up with Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesLanding Williams would be another statement move for a Lakers front office clearly committed to surrounding Doncic with a deep, defensively capable supporting cast.

Given Williams contract value and injury history, a deal would likely hinge on health projections and Portlands asking price.For now, Los Angeles remains the betting favorite, and based on need, financial flexibility, and fit, the odds make sense.Related: Luka Doncic Bracing for Jaw-Dropping $369 Million Lakers Contract Amid Extension TalksRelated: Fresh Intel Reveals Why Marcus Smart Rejected Knicks Before Lakers MoveThis story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared..

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