BREAKING: Lakers Add Mark Williams in Trade for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and Draft Picks
The Los Angeles Lakers have completed a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, acquiring center Mark Williams in exchange for rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and future draft picks.
After their recent surprising acquisition of Luka Doncic, the Lakers have made another move, sending Knecht, Reddish, and future picks to Charlotte for Williams. Shams Charania confirmed the trade details, revealing that the Lakers traded two future unprotected first-round picks to secure Williams.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Mark Williams
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This move is a significant gamble on Williams’ health. This season, he has averaged 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, though he’s played just 85 games over three years due to injuries. However, he seems to have overcome his previous health issues in recent months.
If Williams can remain healthy, this trade could be a brilliant decision by Rob Pelinka, potentially positioning the Lakers as genuine title contenders now and for the next decade.
Standing at a 9’9″ reach, Williams’ size is remarkable, especially when compared to Victor Wembanyama’s 9’7″ reach. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, Williams also has mobility, enabling him to run the floor with Doncic, replicating the chemistry Luka had with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in Dallas.
With this trade, the Lakers solidify their contender status. The 24-year-old Knecht, averaging 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 35.8%, wasn’t a major loss. Though he could’ve helped space the floor for LeBron and Luka, the Lakers had to include him to make this deal happen.