Following the shocking Luka Doncic trade, the Los Angeles Lakers were in desperate need of a starting center after moving Anthony Davis in the deal. They now have that player in Mark Williams in another surprise deal early on trade day. The Lakers sent out Dalton Knecht, Christian Wood, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 first-round pick to acquire Williams from the Charlotte Hornets.
That deal could have huge ramifications for the Lakers, who, had they not made this trade, would have been forced to start career backup Jaxson Hayes. Now, they will have a massive lob threat in Williams to pair with LeBron James and Dončić. He isn't the same defensive player as Davis. However, he has significant upside given his height at 7'0 and his terrific athleticism, making him a potential game changer on defense.
Nevertheless, they were already paper-thin after giving up two rotation players to land Doncic and swapping out two more players to land Williams. That trade-off makes them better in terms of top-end talent but worse in terms of depth. Meanwhile, the Hornets have embraced the tank with them moving on from both of their centers, Nick Richards and Williams, but who won the trade?
Grading the Lakers and Hornets Mark Williams trade.
The Lakers needed a starting center and got one in Williams. They had to give up a lot by trading a rookie with solid upside in Knecht, an unprotected 2031 first, and a 2030 pick swap. That is three solid assets for a 23-year-old starting center with upside of his own. It's important to note that the Lakers aren't just building for this season but long-term.
Doncic is only 25 years old, and the future of the Lakers. Adding Williams gives the Lakers a potential answer at both point guard, shooting guard, and center for years to come when including Austin Reaves. Without a first in this year's draft, 2029 and 2031, and not controlling their pick in 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2030, it's going to be hard for them to build through the draft.
Nevertheless, with LeBron nearing the end of his run, they could become a player in free agency after next season when stars such as De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young become available. Of course, Fox might re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs, and it's not 100% clear that the Lakers will be able to keep Doncic from hitting free agency. Still, this deal is a solid deal for them.
As for the Hornets, with them moving their starting centers, combined with them missing Brandon Miller for the rest of the season, they appear poised to make a run at the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft to pair with LaMelo Ball.
They are trying to build for the long term, but the picks they received from the Lakers are devalued by Doncic being there. Knecht is a nice get, but the Hornets haven't done a great job of drafting in recent years aside from Miller and Ball, and they have to hope for a top-3 pick to get them another chance at a star.