The Lakers aren’t messing around. Just days after pulling off a blockbuster deal for Luka Doncic, they’re back at it again-this time shaking up their frontcourt. In their latest move, L.A. has sent rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to Charlotte in exchange for center Mark Williams.
Williams, standing at a towering 7-foot-2, has been putting up impressive numbers this season-16 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. On paper, he looks like a perfect fit alongside Doncic, offering a big-bodied rim protector and lob threat to complement Luka’s wizardry with the ball. But there’s a catch.
The 22-year-old big man has struggled to stay on the floor. His rookie season saw him suit up for 43 games, Year 2 was even worse at just 19, and this season? So far, 22 games played. The potential is undeniable, but availability is still a huge question mark.
For the Hornets, this deal is all about the future. They get Knecht, a rookie who’s been solid in L.A., averaging 9.4 points on 47% shooting with a respectable outside stroke. Throw in Reddish, who still has untapped upside, plus two valuable draft assets, and Charlotte is looking at a pretty solid return for a player with durability concerns.
All-in or all regret? Lakers bet big on Mark Williams
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is clearly betting big on Williams, believing he can stay healthy and thrive in an offense featuring Doncic and LeBron James. “Mark’s athleticism and presence in the paint will be a key part of what we’re building,”Pelinka said. “We see him as a perfect fit for our vision moving forward.”
This move also signals an aggressive win-now mindset from the Lakers, who aren’t interested in waiting around for young talent to develop. They’re pushing their chips to the center of the table, banking on Williams being the final piece to their new-look roster.
The real question? Can Williams stay on the court long enough to justify the investment? If he does, this trade could end up looking like a steal for L.A. If not, they might have just mortgaged a piece of their future for another injury-plagued big. Either way, the Lakers are making sure the NBA is watching.
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