The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap. The Lakers acquire their center of the present and future shortly after Rob Pelinka expressed doubt that one would be available at the deadline.
Williams, who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, is averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 rebounds. 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks in 25.0 minutes over 22 games this season. Williams ranks fifth in the NBA in PER at 26.0 with his high scoring efficiency, rebound rate and assist rate. Williams played in just 19 games in 23-24 due to back issues.
Knecht was the 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft by the Lakers. In 48 games, Knecht is averaging 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 20.7 minutes.
The Lakers have relinquished control of their upcoming drafts in 2029, 2030 and 2031 with the first pick going to the Dallas Mavericks unprotected as part of the Luka Doncic trade.
Doncic discussed his preference for playing with a vertical lob threat at center, which informed their decision-making on their trade for Williams.