Lakers acquire Mark Williams from Hornets

Lakers acquire Mark Williams from Hornets

The Los Angeles Lakers found their big man of the future!

With less than 15 hours left ahead of the 2024-25 NBA Trade Deadline, the Lakers swung big to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, ESPN NBA insider first reported Wednesday. Heading back to Charlotte is No. 17 overall pick Dalton Knecht, in addition to Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap.

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

Williams, 23, was having the best season of his career in Charlotte–especially after the franchise traded starting big Nick Richards to Phoenix in mid-January. In 23 games, he’s averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 58.6 percent from the floor with a 63.3 true-shooting percentage.

The Lakers had to slightly overpay to acquire a guy who wasn’t perceived to be available—a young, athletic, talented big man with a high motor. Knecht is the golden goose in this trade with solid draft compensation–even though those picks will likely be toward the bottom of the first round with Luka Doncic there (assuming he re-signs). Charlotte’s new regime has done a good job stacking draft assets regardless and Knecht should be a piece that immediately helps.

Anthony Davis admits he was ‘shocked’ when he heard about getting traded

Back to Williams–his biggest issue is his health. He’s dealt with back issues throughout his three-year career and has only played in 40.1 percent of his team’s available games. His potential is overwhelming, but will he stay on the court? That’s the biggest question–and a risk that the Lakers are certainly worth taking post-Davis.

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This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates!

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