Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged the team’s need for a big man on Tuesday morning during Luka Doncic’s introductory press conference.
And nearly 36 hours later, the Lakers filled that need, acquiring 7-foot, 241-pound center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets to fortify their interior presence.
As part of the trade, which was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday night, the Lakers will send the Hornets rookie wing Dalton Knecht, veteran wing Cam Reddish, their 2031 unprotected first-round draft pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap.
Williams quickly reacted to the trade on social media, posting purple and yellow hearts on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday night.
The Lakers will open a roster spot after the trade is official.
Williams, who was drafted with the No. 15 pick out of Duke in 2022, is averaging 16 points (59.7% shooting), 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocked shots per game in his third NBA season.
He’s averaged 11.7 points (62.6% shooting), 8.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocked shots and 1.1 assists for his career.
Williams fits the archetype of big men who have thrived alongside Doncic: an athletic and mobile lob threat who can make their presence felt at the rim on both ends of the court.
And at 23 years old, he fits the Lakers’ long-term goal of adding players who can contribute now while also fitting Doncic’s timeline.
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