2018 NBA Draft: Dream targets for Los Angeles Lakers at No. 25

Robert Williams, PF/C — Texas A&M

Now here’s the most unrealistic of these “dream targets” for the Lakers.

Up to this point, I’ve looked at a high-risk, high-reward center who could easily slide on draft day and a quick-rising wing who seems to be slotted a few picks before the Lakers. With Robert Williams, a number of things would have to fall into place for him to be available at No. 25.

In fact, the Lakers might not have a shot at the Texas A&M product without trading up. I don’t think that’ll happen, but who knows what Magic has up his sleeve. Either way, it’s going to take some of that classic NBA madness for Williams to fall to the Lakers. Then again, that’s why he finds himself on this list of “dream targets.”

So why Williams? Well, I see him as a potential replacement for Julius Randle. He possesses similar size to the Lakers’ power forward, brings high-energy effort to the paint and is a defensive dynamo. His offensive game is average at this point, but he offers enough athleticism to be a difference-maker in the pick-and-roll game.

During his sophomore season with the Aggies, he was often forced to be the go-to guy on offense. That wouldn’t be the case in Los Angeles, which would benefit Williams greatly. No longer would he be expected to consistently shoot mid-range jumpers and play the primary scorer role.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition

It’s unlikely Williams falls, but the plethora of intriguing wing and guard prospects in this class could hurt him on draft day. There’s a ton of small forwards, and Williams falls into a position where the Lakers can move up to grab him without giving up too much.