Rumor: Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III ‘May Already Be Banged Up’

August 1, 2025

NBA, Robert Williams III, Trail Blazers — Soobum Im/Getty Images

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III “may already be banged up,” according to NBA insider Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been heavily linked to Williams III, but they probably won’t trade for the big man due to his extensive injury history.

“One name who has popped up plenty recently is Portland’s Robert Williams III, but league sources say he may already be banged up,” Irwin wrote. “Given his injury history and those whispers, the Lakers are wary of trading for him.”

Williams III played in just 20 games last season. He’s never appeared in more than 61 games in a season. The Louisiana native has dealt with several knee issues since entering the league in 2018.

A Texas A&M product, Williams III has played in 235 games with the Boston Celtics and Trail Blazers. He has career averages of 7.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 blocks.

The 27-year-old Williams III will make $13.3 million next season in the final year of his contract.

The Trail Blazers missed the playoffs last season. They haven’t made the postseason since 2021.