The Los Angeles Lakers have traded Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams. This move aims to strengthen the Lakers' frontcourt following Anthony Davis' departure and Christian Wood's injury.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move to bolster their frontcourt, acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for a package that includes rookie Dalton Knecht , Cam Reddish , and two draft picks. This trade marks another major shakeup for the Lakers, who have been actively reshaping their roster since Christmas.
The acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks last Saturday in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis was followed by this move for Williams, one of the NBA's most intriguing young centers. 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.The Lakers were left with a void at the center position following Davis' departure and Christian Wood's long-term injury absence. Williams, a 7-foot-2 product of Duke University, has spent three seasons with the Hornets, battling injuries and playing in just 84 games. This season, in 22 games, he has averaged 16 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, showcasing his potential in pick-and-roll situations alongside LaMelo Ball. Williams' familiarity with Lakers coach JJ Redick, also a Duke alumnus, could facilitate a smooth transition. He is expected to be a key target for Doncic's playmaking abilities in lobs and pick-and-rolls while also contributing significantly on the defensive end. The Lakers' defense heavily relied on Davis' exceptional rim protection, which Williams will need to help fill.Williams has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, recording seven double-doubles in his last 11 games, including a 31-point, 13-rebound performance against the Jazz. He even put up 38 points against Memphis last month. However, his game has been inconsistent at times. For instance, against Milwaukee on Wednesday night, he struggled with only six points and five rebounds in 25 minutes against Brook Lopez. Despite these inconsistencies, Williams appears enthusiastic about the trade, posting gold and purple hearts on social media late Wednesday night. This trade marks the second time the Hornets have dealt a center this season. Last month, they sent 7-foot Nick Richards and a second-round pick in 2025 to Phoenix for guard Josh Okogie and three future second-round draft picks. Charlotte is evidently building for the long term under new owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, accumulating assets and bolstering their draft capital. The Hornets now possess their first-round pick for the next seven years, along with a top-14 protected first-round pick in 2027 from Miami (unprotected in 2028), a top-two protected pick from Dallas in 2027, the right to swap first-rounders with the Lakers in 2030, and the Lakers' unprotected first-round pick in 2031. The Lakers have traded seven of their 13 players from opening night. With this move, they also opened up a roster spot, allowing them to add another depth piece
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