Lakers urged to pursue free agent who sort of ‘neutralized’ Victor Wembanyama

With the way San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has dominated in his third season, it would be logical for opposing teams to build rosters well-suited to counter the 7-foot-4 superstar. That includes the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was recently reported that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has already talked to guard Luka Doncic about creating a lineup around him, underscoring the six-time All-Star’s value.

But the Purple and Gold might also want to consider getting someone who could defend Wembanyama, especially since they face the Spurs multiple times in a season. Also, San Antonio is primed to be a perennial contender in the Western Conference.

For ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III should be a target for the Lakers in free agency, although his injury history could be an issue.

“You have to be cautious with that because of his game availability, the minutes. That’s the one guy, I don’t want to say neutralized Victor Wembanyama, but I think guarded him, probably one of the best, certainly, in the playoffs in the first round. That would be the guy. He’s probably one of the top unrestricted free agent centers out there. I think he gives you that shot blocker, that rim protector, that guy that can lob threat for Luka Doncic,” said Marks.

“Now the question is, the cost? What’s the cost? Is it $12, $13 million? I think that’s kind of where his range is, but there’ll be other teams that also see that.”

For what it is worth, the 28-year-old Williams played 59 games—the second-most of his career—this season. He averaged 6.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes.

He had similar numbers in the playoffs against the Spurs, tallying 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 21.6 minutes.

Williams, who has often been linked to the Lakers, showed promise during his fourth year in the NBA, helping the Boston Celtics reach the NBA Finals. However, since then, various injuries have hampered his development.

Marks noted that the Celtics, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Los Angeles Clippers could make a run at Williams.

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