The Los Angeles Lakers may be off to a great start to their season; however, it is clear as day that they need to make a trade or two to be considered legitimate title contenders.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Lakers currently sit\u00a0with a\u00a016-6\u00a0record in\u00a0the season, but their defense is not up to par.\u00a0Los Angeles is ranked 21st in defensive rating and ranks 16th in opponents’ points per game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Los Angeles is in desperate need of an upgrade on defense, and while a wing upgrade is crucial, so is an upgrade at the center position.\u00a0<\/p>\n
More news: Lakers Reportedly Eyeing Elite Two-Way Wing, Along With Warriors<\/a><\/p>\n Because of that, the Lakers\u00a0are urged\u00a0by\u00a0Dan Favale of Bleacher Report\u00a0<\/a>to target Portland Trail Blazers big man, Robert Williams III.\u00a0<\/p>\n Favale lists Williams as one of the three trade targets for the Lakers right now.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Feel free to round out their big board with another wing. A higher-end big man behind\u00a0Deandre\u00a0Ayton is a need, too.\u00a0Robert Williams III retains his vertical gravity\u00a0along\u00a0with his defensive mobility and disruption\u00a0if\u00a0he’s healthy.\u00a0That’s a big\u00a0if, but that uncertainty should permit L.A. to make a play for him without surrendering any serious draft equity.”\u00a0<\/p>\n The Lakers have had their eye on Williams for quite some time.\u00a0<\/p>\n He is a versatile, athletic defensive center who could be a difference-maker for a Lakers team lacking in defense and athleticism. Williams could be a massive upgrade for the Lakers due to his rim protection nd switching ability; however, health\u00a0has been a major\u00a0issue for the 28-year-old.\u00a0<\/p>\n Williams has struggled with injuries, missing significant time in recent seasons.\u00a0He’s been\u00a0held to 15 games this season out of the 23 games Portland has played thus far.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Lakers need a big man like Williams, but his injury history makes him a risky potential acquisition. LA wants and needs Williams for all the things he provides, but his availability is a massive question for the Lakers and others who would like to take a swing at the former All-Defensive big man.\u00a0<\/p>\n