In a strategic move to strengthen their frontcourt, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. In exchange, the Lakers sent rookie guard Dalton Knecht, forward Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets. 

Trade Details:

• Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
• Mark Williams
• Charlotte Hornets Receive:
• Dalton Knecht
• Cam Reddish
• Unprotected 2031 first-round pick
• 2030 pick swap

ANALYSIS: Mark Williams, 23, has been a standout performer for the Hornets this season, averaging 16 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game over 22 appearances. His addition addresses the Lakers' need for a dynamic presence in the paint, complementing their recent acquisition of Luka Doncic. 

The Lakers get a good young center to enhance their roster following the departure of Anthony Davis. Williams is a 7-foot-2 rim-running 5 who can catch lobs, roll to the rim, and screen. All he needs is to stay healthy following a multitude of injuries early into his NBA career.

This move allows the Lakers to field a competitive lineup around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and this positions themselves as strong contenders in the Western Conference this season.

For the Hornets, this could be seen as a possible questionable move as they no longer have any centers in their lineup. They recently dealt backup C Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns, and with Williams gone, they will now be scrambling to find a center to play with star LaMelo Ball. 

However, this bodes well for their draft pick tally moving forward. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Hornets own several future picks, including:

• Own first in the next 7 years
• Top-14 protected first from Miami (2027, unprotected in 2028)
• Top-2 protected first from Dallas (2027)
• Right to swap firsts with LA Lakers (2030)
• Unprotected first from LA Lakers (2031)

In addition, Charlotte added rookie Dalton Knecht, who’s had a promising freshman season in Los Angeles. A knockdown shooter with sneaky athleticism, Knecht is a good piece moving forward for this young Hornets squad. They also get Cam Reddish, a long forward that can hit threes and defend opposing wings.

With the deal in place, the Hornets could focus on continuing to rebuild around young stars Ball and Brandon Miller.