After setting the sports world ablaze by trading for Luca Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers just struck again by trading for a much-needed big man to fortify their roster for a playoff run.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the LA 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.
Los Angeles Lakers Trade For Mark Williams
Before the Doncic trade, the Lakers were in dire need of a big man. Then, after trading Anthony Davis for Doncic, that need went from improvement-based to absolute necessity.
Rob Pelinka pulled it off.
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While there was a lot of excitement surrounding rookie Dalton Knecht, his role was somewhat repetitive/expendable with Doncic on the team, and so he became an asset in Pelinka’s quest for a center.
Mark Williams was a first-round pick out of Duke in 2022. The 7’0, 240-pounder is having the best season of his career, averaging 16 ppg, 9.8 rebs, and shooting 59.7% from the field.
The Lakers have won three straight and are currently 5th place in the Western Conference. Depth will be a bit of a concern, but by adding Williams, the Lakers will have one of the best starting 5 in the NBA.