Throughout NBA history, we’ve seen plenty of storied organizations. Still, two stand above the rest. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are the two most celebrated franchises in the history of the league. Between the two, they’ve claimed a huge percentage of the league’s championships.
Who’s been more successful in recent years? That’s a somewhat difficult call. The Lakers have the last championship. By some people’s logic, that makes them the de facto winners. Others would disagree with that argument.
After all, the Celtics have been more consistent. This team is always near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Still, this iteration of the Celtics hasn’t gotten over the hump yet. Could sending Robert Williams III to the Lakers get them closer?
The Trade Proposal
Boston Celtics Receive: F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, F/C Jaxson Hayes, G/F Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Robert Williams III
Of course, in the NBA, success is often directly tied to a team’s best player. That’s how the Lakers got their most recent title. They rostered one of the best players in the NBA. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both exceptional talents, but neither is LeBron James.
Meanwhile, James’ landing in LA in the first place speaks to the Lakers’ exceptionalism. When he joined this organization, the Lakers were floundering. They had a nice collection of young talent, but they were a losing franchise. James joined them anyway. More than anything, he likely knew that the Lakers were good for his brand.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Eventually, the Lakers would trade that collection of young talent for Anthony Davis. The rest is history. As it stands, the Lakers are largely bereft of future-focused assets as a result. Perhaps that’s why they went young in free agency this summer. Could they really send three young players to Boston in exchange for Williams III?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Ultimately, this boils down to Williams III’s health. He’s a notoriously injury-prone player. If he gets hurt, the Lakers will pass on this deal. Moreover, if he looks healthy, the Celtics could hesitate to part with him.
Let’s table that. For now, let’s assume Boston would make this deal. If so, the Lakers should be open to it as well. When healthy, Williams III is by far the best player in this deal. His ability to guard across positions makes him one of the best defensive big men in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Is this a risk? Yes. Just because Williams III is healthy doesn’t mean that he’ll stay healthy. Still, the defensive potential of a frontcourt led by him and Davis could be too much for the Lakers to pass up on. Should the Celtics help them put that duo together?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
Again – Williams III could be healthy leading up to the deadline. That doesn’t mean he won’t get hurt. Williams III is a constant injury risk. By now, Boston could be tired of relying on him.
If so, this is a good deal for them. Realistically, Vanderbilt is a solid stand-in for Williams III. He’s not as sturdy of a rim protector, but he’s still a multi-positional defender. Offensively, Vanderbilt replicates some of Williams III’s strong connective passing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Still, this is about getting assets for Boston more than anything else. Adding swap rights with the Lakers to their own 2029 first makes it a significantly more valuable trade chip. In time, they could use it to make a win-now upgrade. Historically speaking, that’s what the Celtics do.
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