The Luka Dončić trade has essentially ensured that the Los Angeles Lakers will remain in the playoff mix for the next decade-plus. However, building out a true contender around him would require some savvy moves from general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. First and foremost on that list of needs for the team was finding a quality center.
After trading away Anthony Davis, Los Angeles was supporting a rag-tag group of big men led by Jaxson Hayes, with no real backup to speak of. However, Pelinka was back at it again a day before the trade deadline, as the Lakers picked up budding star Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. The move has left the NBA world buzzing and, according to the fans, given the Lakers new life this season.
Fans Declare Los Angeles Lakers Title Contenders After Mark Williams Trade
In exchange for the 23-year-old center, the Lakers parted ways with rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap. It’s a relatively large haul to pay, but Williams has steadily improved every season of his career.
This season, he’s averaging career highs in points (15.6) and assists (2.5), while averaging 9.6 rebounds. Now, both Dončić and LeBron James have a vertical lob threat who will give them easy reads on offense.
Williams was clearly happy with the move, immediately tweeting out a Purple and Gold heart. Additionally, the league recognizes the genius of the move.
Kevin O’Connor, one of the most prominent names covering the NBA, immediately claimed, “The Lakers have entered the NBA Finals conversation. Mark Williams is awesome.”
He would go on to send out a separate tweet detailing the move and why it was perfect for the Lakers.
“Mark Williams is a shocking addition for the Lakers. Such an incredible trade. Wow. Perfect for what they need now and into the future. Interior defensive enforcer, rebounder, screen and lob target for Luka and LeBron. Plus has untapped shooting touch.”
Mark Williams is a shocking addition for the Lakers. Such an incredible trade. Wow. Perfect for what they need now and into the future. Interior defensive enforcer, rebounder, screen and lob target for Luka and LeBron. Plus has untapped shooting touch.
A+ deadline becomes A+++++
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 6, 2025
Of course, with X being the way it is, there were memes aplenty from NBA fans at large about the trade going down. First came the classic Tom Brady look behind, captioned, “LeBron James seeing he has a new center to replace AD.”
LeBron James seeing he has a new center to replace ADpic.twitter.com/tQmQJIiECU
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 6, 2025
Then, another fan highlighted how Knecht was traded unceremoniously after surviving the Dončić blockbuster from a few nights ago, in which the Dallas Mavericks got a 2029 first-rounder, Davis, and Max Christie.
Dalton Knecht walking into Lakers practice after surviving the Luka trade pic.twitter.com/xcxyUt9KMj
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) February 6, 2025
O’Connor wasn’t the only one who saw the move as a game-changer for Los Angeles. Other fans, too, believed that the move could immediately propel the Lakers to championship No. 18.
“LeBron just might get #5…”
LeBron just might get #5…
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) February 6, 2025
However, not everyone was on board with the move. For some, the injury risk with Williams was hard to digest. In three seasons, the young stalwart has only suited up for 84 games, including just 22 this season. One fan even compiled a list of the injuries the former Hornets player had already dealt with in his career.
“In just 3 seasons, Mark Williams has only played in a total of 84 games. 3 ankle injuries from 2022-2023, 2 thumb injuries in 2023 that led to surgery, 1 back injury in 2023, 2 foot injuries in 2024, 1 foot injury in 2025.”
In just 3 seasons, Mark Williams has only played in a total of 84 games.
3 ankle injuries from 2022-2023
2 thumb injuries in 2023 that led to surgery
1 back injury in 2023
2 foot injuries in 2024
1 foot injury in 2025— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) February 6, 2025
The upside is obvious with Williams. A 7-footer in all but name, he can be a two-way presence for a Lakers team that sorely needs some verticality. Plus, at just 23, he’s young enough to be their big man for the future as he tries to form a dominant connection with Dončić.
