The 3&D Wing NO ONE Wants to Trade For. (Is the Most REALISTIC Consolation DEFENDER on the Market)
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers face a familiar dilemma: should they make a move or trust their current roster to deliver postseason success? This year, the conversation has zeroed in on one name that’s flying under the radar—Patrick Williams of the Chicago Bulls. While the rumor mill is swirling with big names and splashy deals, Williams stands out as perhaps the most realistic and “gettable” 6’7″ wing defender available, especially for a Lakers team hesitant to part with future draft capital.
But is Patrick Williams the answer to what ails the Lakers? Does he offer enough upside to justify his contract and the investment? Let’s break down the case for and against trading for Williams, analyze his fit, and explore what this move could mean for Los Angeles as they chase another championship.
The Lakers’ Dilemma: Stand Pat or Stand “Pat” Williams?
The Lakers are a team in transition. With LeBron James still playing at an elite level, Anthony Davis anchoring the defense, and a cast of role players filling in the gaps, LA remains a contender in the Western Conference. But cracks have appeared—most notably at the small forward spot and in overall wing defense.
The trade market is thin, and the Lakers’ asset cupboard is bare. With only distant first-round picks to offer (the 2031 pick, most notably), Rob Pelinka and the front office have to be judicious with their moves. That’s why Patrick Williams, a former fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has emerged as a logical target. He’s young, fits a positional need, and is likely available as the Bulls look to reshape their roster.
Patrick Williams: The Profile
Williams, now 24, has not lived up to his pre-draft billing as a future star. He’s slipped in the Bulls’ rotation and is viewed more as a reclamation project than a franchise cornerstone. But for a Lakers team lacking in asset depth and desperate for defensive help, Williams’ combination of size (6’7″ with a 7-foot wingspan), youth, and three-and-D potential is intriguing.
Career Stats:
Points: 9.3 per game
Rebounds: 4.0 per game
Assists: 1.4 per game
Steals: 0.8 per game
Blocks: 0.7 per game
Field Goal %: 44.7%
Three-Point %: 39.4%
This season, Williams is shooting over 40% from three, knocking down 1.4 triples in just 19 minutes off the bench. He’s a career 39.4% three-point shooter, with a reliable catch-and-shoot game and excellent corner shooting numbers. In short, he’s a legitimate floor-spacer at the forward spot—something the Lakers have struggled to find.
The “Three” in Three-and-D: Shooting Upside
Williams’ shooting is his calling card. He’s not a high-volume scorer, but he’s efficient and deadly from the corners. In an offense built around LeBron and Davis, spacing is paramount. Williams can hit open threes, punish teams that collapse on LA’s stars, and provide a reliable outlet in the halfcourt.
His consistency is notable: perennially, Williams has hovered between 38% and 41% from deep on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He’s a specialist in the corner, where he regularly shoots in the 40% range. For a Lakers team that often bogs down in the halfcourt, adding a shooter of Williams’ caliber would open up new possibilities.
The “D” in Three-and-D: Defensive Analytics and Tape
But Williams isn’t just a shooter. He’s a strong, physical defender with advanced analytics to back up his reputation.
Per Bball Index:
88th percentile in perimeter isolation defense (A- grade)
79th percentile in ball screen navigation (B+ grade)
B grades in pickpocket rating and passing lane defense
Williams has consistently ranked among the league’s top defenders in passing lanes, mucking up pick-and-rolls and generating transition opportunities. He leverages his length and physicality to disrupt ball handlers, chop his feet, and engulf drivers. His defensive tape shows a player who can stand his ground against bigger forwards and switch onto wings and guards when needed.
He’s particularly effective against “tweener” threes and ball-handling fours, using his strength and mobility to beat players to the spot. While he’s not a lockdown combo guard defender like Herb Jones—someone who can chase shooters through endless screens—he’s a solid switch defender with good team instincts.
Williams is also a plus help defender, rotating to contest shots, springing balls loose, and forcing 50/50 situations. His motor is relentless, and his hands are active—qualities the Lakers sorely need on the wing.
The Fit in LA: Raising the Defensive Floor
Williams isn’t a star, but he’s the kind of “connective tissue” player who can raise a team’s defensive floor. The Lakers are not in a position to be picky; they need size, length, and effort on the perimeter. Williams offers all three.
He’s not going to shut down the Tyrese Maxeys or Steph Currys of the world, but he can take on power forwards, switch onto wings, and provide help defense. With a strong defensive infrastructure behind him (anchored by Davis), Williams could thrive in LA’s scheme.
His offensive limitations are real—he’s plateaued as a scorer and isn’t a primary creator—but as a role player, he fits the bill. Think of him as a younger, more athletic Dorian Finney-Smith: a player who can hit threes, guard multiple positions, and fill gaps in the rotation.
The Contract: Risk vs. Reward
The biggest concern with Williams isn’t his play—it’s his contract. He’s signed for three more years after this season at $18 million per year, with a player option in 2028-29. That’s a hefty commitment for a player who’s plateaued as a bench contributor.
But there’s a silver lining: Williams will be just 27 when his contract ends, theoretically still in his prime. If he improves even marginally, $18 million per year could look like a bargain as the salary cap and mid-level exception rise.
The risk, of course, is that Williams never progresses. The Lakers could be stuck with an expensive role player for three more years. But if LA believes in its development system and internal culture, Williams could blossom alongside LeBron, Davis, and the team’s other young players.
Williams vs. Rui Hachimura: Who Starts?
The Lakers’ small forward spot has been a revolving door. Rui Hachimura has provided scoring punch and some shooting, but his defense is inconsistent. Williams, by contrast, is a better defender and equally capable shooter (41% from three this year).
If LA trades for Williams, he could slot into the starting lineup, providing more balance and defensive versatility. Hachimura could move to a bench role, where his offensive skills are maximized against second units.
The comparison to Finney-Smith is apt: if LA still had DFS, he’d likely start over Hachimura. Williams offers similar value, with more youth and upside.
Why Williams Makes Sense for the Lakers
The Lakers need help on the wing, and the market is limited. Williams is young, affordable (relative to his upside), and available. He’s not the perfect solution, but he’s a realistic one.
Three-and-D upside: Reliable shooter, versatile defender
Positional need: Fills the small forward gap
Contract structure: Risky, but potentially a bargain
Development window: Still young enough to improve
For a team short on assets, Williams is a “kombucha girl” target—initially underwhelming, but possibly more appealing after a closer look.
The Downside: Why LA Might Stand Pat
Williams isn’t a star, and his contract could become an albatross. If he fails to develop, the Lakers are stuck. There’s also the risk that Williams is simply “mid”—a player who doesn’t move the needle in big games.
But for LA, beggars can’t be choosers. The Lakers’ defensive struggles are real, and Williams would help shore up their perimeter. The alternative is standing pat and hoping internal improvement is enough—a risky bet in a loaded Western Conference.
The Bulls’ Perspective: Why Williams Is Available
Chicago drafted Williams fourth overall, hoping for a two-way star. Instead, he’s leveled out as a 3-and-D bench player who guards more fours than threes. The Bulls are pivoting towards a rebuild, and Williams is expendable.
His contract is a sticking point, but his youth and skill set should attract suitors. The Lakers, with limited assets, are a natural fit.
The Lakers’ Path Forward: Weighing the Options
Should the Lakers stand pat or go after Williams? The answer depends on their appetite for risk and belief in internal development. Williams won’t transform the team overnight, but he addresses a clear need and fits the timeline.
If LA can acquire Williams without surrendering the 2031 first-round pick, it’s a move worth considering. The Lakers need defense, shooting, and youth—Williams checks those boxes.
Conclusion: The Case for Patrick Williams
Patrick Williams is not the savior of the Lakers’ season, but he might be the best available option. He’s young, versatile, and a proven three-point shooter. His defensive metrics are strong, and his contract—while risky—could pay off if he develops.
For a Lakers team chasing another championship, Williams is a realistic target who could raise the team’s floor and provide valuable minutes on the wing. He’s not a lockdown guard defender, but he’s strong, long, and active—a perfect fit for LA’s needs.
The trade deadline is approaching, and the Lakers must decide: stand pat, or stand “Pat” Williams? The answer may determine whether LA makes another deep playoff run or falls short in a crowded Western Conference.
