Why Did the Los Angeles Lakers Choose Mark Williams to Replace Anthony Davis?

 

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The Los Angeles Lakers have made a bold move by acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets to fill the void left by Anthony Davis.

However, this decision has sparked mixed reactions, as the Lakers had to part ways with promising young talent Dalton Knecht in the process.

Details of the Mark Williams Trade

 

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Lakers receive:

  • Mark Williams

Hornets receive:

  • Dalton Knecht
  • Cam Reddish
  • 2030 first-round pick swap rights
  • 2031 first-round pick

Why Did the Lakers Need a New Center?

 

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The blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis away in exchange for Luka Doncic left the Lakers with a significant hole in their frontcourt.

Davis was not only an All-NBA big man but also one of the league’s elite defenders.

His departure meant the Lakers had to find a capable replacement quickly to maintain their championship aspirations.

Why Did the Lakers Choose Mark Williams Over Other Centers?

 

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Many critics believe this trade was a bad deal for the Lakers, as Williams is still an unproven talent.

In his third NBA season, he has played just 85 total games, with injuries limiting him to 43 games in his rookie season, 19 in his second year, and 23 this season.

His durability remains a major concern.

Additionally, giving up Dalton Knecht—a rising young guard—along with future draft capital seems like an overpayment for a center who has yet to establish himself as a star.

However, Mark Williams has shown impressive performances this season:

  • 15.6 points per game
  • 9.6 rebounds per game
  • 2.5 assists per game
  • 1.2 blocks per game
  • Nearly 60% FG shooting and 78% free throw accuracy

Williams is a traditional center who doesn’t have a perimeter game but is excellent in pick-and-roll situations, which makes him a great fit alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

His 7’0” frame (2.

13m) and strong physical presence allow him to be a reliable target for lobs, similar to how Doncic worked with Daniel Gafford or LeBron paired with Dwight Howard in 2020.

Moreover, the Lakers view this as a long-term investment, as Williams is still young (born in 2001) and has plenty of room to develop.

Why Did the Lakers Trade Dalton Knecht for Mark Williams?

 

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Dalton Knecht started the season strong but saw his performance decline over time.

While he is a promising young guard, the Lakers do not have the luxury of waiting for him to develop.

Their priority is to build a championship-contending roster immediately around James and Doncic.

Another key reason for choosing Knecht as a trade piece is salary matching.

Williams is still on a rookie contract worth $4 million, and Knecht’s salary of $3.

8 million made him the best tradeable asset.

Additionally, the Lakers’ young core outside of Knecht did not generate enough interest from the Hornets, making him the necessary piece to complete the deal.

Was This the Right Move for the Lakers?

 

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While many argue that the Lakers gave up too much for Williams, the trade aligns with their win-now mentality.

They needed a reliable big man to complement James and Doncic, and Williams’ athleticism, rebounding, and defensive presence make him a suitable choice.

Whether this move pays off remains to be seen, but the Lakers are clearly betting on immediate success rather than long-term potential.