After their Earth-shattering trade for Luka Doncic that sent Anthony Davis out, the Los Angles Lakers landed a much-needed center, acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Lakers are dealing away Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected first-round pick in 2031 and a pick swap in 2030 in exchange for Williams.
Just In: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/QGUwETssGd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Can Williams Be The Lakers’ Answer At Center?
The shock from Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles still hasn’t worn off, but the Lakers still had a massive void at center after trading Davis. Williams isn’t near Davis’ caliber, but he’s much more effective than any other center on the roster. He’s averaged 16 points, 9.8 boards and 2.5 assists in his 22 appearances this season.
He’ll supercharge the Lakers’ already frightening offensive roster and feast on Doncic’s lobs as a roller. Williams has shot above 70 percent at the rim for his entire career and owns experience playing alongside an elite pick-and-roll handler in LaMelo Ball. Doncic will feed him easy dunks and layups, which Williams can reliably convert.
He isn’t as strong a defender, and his extensive injury likely limits his mobility at this stage. He’s a solid shot blocker (4.5 percent block rate) when parked at the rim, but he struggles mightily in space. His minus-2.3 Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus is the sixth-lowest in the NBA, which points toward his shortcomings on that end of the floor. He should nonetheless upgrade Los Angeles’ barren frontcourt defense with his sheer size and paint protection alone.
Injury history factors with Williams’ price; the third-year center has played in just 84 career games. Dalton Knecht has flashed high-level offensive impact as a rookie and an unprotected first is nothing to scoff at. But Williams will help the Lakers in the short term on both sides of the ball — if he can remain healthy.
Mark Williams has missed some time in his early career from a small fracture in his left foot, sources said, however LAL is confident in his medicals. Williams’ injury never required surgery, sources told ESPN.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2025
Grading The Deal
Los Angeles Lakers: A-
It’s possible to argue the Lakers overpaid a bit for Williams in a vacuum, but the fit makes too much sense. They boost their odds to push for a deep playoff run this season without incurring too much long-term risk.
Charlotte Hornets: A-
Williams is a promising young player who fits well with Ball, but his injury history makes him a risky player to rely on. Knecht should develop into a useful NBA player and the draft compensation never hurts to acquire. The value of the deal overall makes sense for a team on their rebuilding timeline.
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