After all this time, the Lakers got their center.
Days after trading 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis for Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic, LA made a critical move and filled a position of need in one surprising swoop.
Lakers Finally Trade for Center, But Give Up First-Round Rookie
Trade Details
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who broke the news late Wednesday night, the Lakers are receiving Hornets big man Mark Williams in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, their 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 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 has enjoyed a breakout campaign despite the Hornets’ struggles. The third-year center has averaged 16 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. He’s also shot 59.7% from the field and 77.6% from the free-throw line. The Lakers will look to add the 23-year-old big man into the starting lineup as a legitimate lob threat who can impose his will in the paint while defending the rim with ease—not to mention put up monster performances like this one.
Meanwhile, Charlotte lands a 23-year-old rookie who burst onto the scene with his sharpshooting and athleticism. The 17th pick in the 2024 Draft, Knecht averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field and 35.8% from deep. At one point, injuries to other players made him a temporary solution in the starting lineup, and he played that role to a tee. In 12 games with the first unit, Knecht averaged 14.3 points while shooting 47% from the field and 39% from the perimeter.
Aside from Knecht, the Hornets will also get a wing defender in Reddish, who is in need of a fresh start. He’s played 33 games this season and averaged 18 minutes per contest, but put up 3.3 points and two rebounds on .430/.289/.615 splits. The trade also sees the Lakers part with their other tradable first-round pick, an intriguing move considering the team had dangled their firsts for players arguably above Williams’ pay grade.
Lakers are trading for a rising 7-foot-2 center, giving the franchise a starting center in Williams who fits the profile of athleticism and verticality that has flourished with Luka Doncic. Hornets land a rookie in Knecht they are excited about, and draft capital. https://t.co/BlzoawiLjR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
The Lakers are in win-now mode, while also setting up their future. They have a roster with no obvious hole to address, but have an open roster spot in order to be active in the buyout market to add the best available fit for their depth.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2025
The Last Word
Pelinka has worked to orchestrate a trade deadline turnaround following last weekend’s blockbuster. He has finally acquired a center after claiming the market was “very dry” earlier this week. The Lakers could have more tricks up their sleeve, but this deadline is looking like a success for the purple and gold.
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
