The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that includes multiple draft picks and players. This move addresses the Lakers' need for a reliable big man after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made another significant move ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets . In exchange, the Lakers sent over Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap. This news was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania via X. Williams, a 23-year-old and former first-round draft pick in 2022, spent three seasons with the Hornets .
This deal comes as the Lakers were in dire need of a reliable big man after trading away All-NBA center Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka had indicated during Dončić's press conference on Tuesday that the team would likely make moves on the fringes of their roster. However, this trade sees the Lakers part ways with their highly coveted 2031 first-round pick. Nevertheless, the team is acquiring a player who can potentially be a cornerstone alongside Dončić, who is just 25 years old. Williams has been a steady presence for the struggling Hornets this season, averaging 16 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on an impressive 59.7 percent shooting. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 241 pounds, Williams possesses the size and strength to compete with the top big men in the Western Conference.Los Angeles, in this trade, sheds the rookie sharpshooter Knecht, who they had high hopes for after selecting him with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Knecht's rookie season was a mixed bag, averaging 9.4 points per game on 46.5 percent shooting and 35.8 percent from three-point range. Reddish, meanwhile, had a minimal impact during his two seasons with the Lakers, averaging 3.3 points per game and often struggling offensively. While his defense occasionally showed promise, he was largely a liability for the team. Williams, on the other hand, is expected to be a valuable addition to the Lakers' roster. This trade also opens up a roster spot, suggesting the Lakers will continue to explore further moves before Thursday's deadline. While Williams has faced back and foot issues in the past, the Lakers are confident he is healthy and view him as a perfect fit alongside Dončić.
NBA Lakers Trade Mark Williams Hornets Anthony Davis Luka Dončić NBA Trade Deadline
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mark Williams Heads to Lakers in Stunning Trade Deadline Deal With HornetsMark Williams is the new big man in L.A.
Read more »
Lakers Acquire Mark Williams from Hornets in Roster ShakeupThe Los Angeles Lakers continue their offseason makeover with a trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. They sent Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and draft picks to secure the young prospect.
Read more »
Lakers Acquire Mark Williams from Hornets in Roster ShakeupThe Los Angeles Lakers continue their offseason roster makeover, trading for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. The move addresses a key need for the Lakers as they build a championship contender around Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Read more »
Mark Williams' career night not enough as Grizzlies snap Hornets' win streakHornets three game win streak comes to an end following 132-120 loss to Grizzlies.
Read more »
DaQuan Jeffries steps up for the Charlotte Hornets againJeffries provides a spark for the Hornets with no Mark Williams
Read more »
Lakers Land Mark Williams in Three-Team TradeThe Los Angeles Lakers acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in a three-team trade, bolstering their frontcourt following the failed pursuit of Luka Doncic.
Read more »