The Los Angeles Lakers have finally identified their newest center of their future.
Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the franchise obtains big man Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and their unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap.
This move serves as the latest for the Los Angeles Lakers, just a few days after they stunned the entire world by sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic.
Now set to move on without Davis, the Lakers were on a desperate lookout to add another center. The hunt was urgent considering their depleted frontcourt marred by injuries.
From this, gaining the service of Williams is considerably promising from Rob Pelinka.
The third-year big man is savoring a career season, averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 boards, 2.5 dimes, and 1.2 blocks. He is also shooting an efficient 59.7 percent from the field.
Although the health of Williams has been questionable in which he only appeared in 22 games thus far this year after missing the start of the season, the Lakers are reportedly thrilled about his addition.
From missing games due to back and foot complications, Williams endured injury-prone labels from critics. Regardless, he remains steadfast about being healthy and available to play
His landing in Los Angeles is simply a dream come true for Williams.
Less than an hour when the deal broke out between the Lakers and the Hornets, Williams instantly stirred the social media circle of the L.A. fanbase with an intriguing X post that simply shows his excitement about joining the ball club.
Williams is ready for the big-time opportunity of being a Laker. He will be the main partner of Doncic in the team’s highly anticipated pick-and-roll artistry of the superstar.
As such, he is also expected to carry a major burden of responsibility in anchoring the team’s interior presence and defensive area — huge shoes to fill which Davis embraced over the past six years in Los Angeles.
Drafted as the 15th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams will become eligible for rookie scale extension in the upcoming offseason. And for the amount that the Lakers gave up just to acquire him, chances are high that he will get re-signed.
