Lakers Trade Dalton Knecht, First-Round Pick to Hornets for Mark Williams
The Lakers have made a significant move to address their center position, sending Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick to the Hornets in exchange for Mark Williams.
Just ahead of the trade deadline, the Lakers made a big splash, filling their center gap, albeit at a steep price.
As reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers are trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, their 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets in return for center Mark Williams.
This comes after vice president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka, stated that the team was unlikely to make a big move, effectively trading the last of their valuable assets in this deal.
“Luka Dončić made it clear to the Lakers he wanted a lob threat of a big man, which Williams certainly is,” said Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN mentioned, “It was actually the Hornets who called the Lakers about Knecht to start the discussions.”
There’s also an interesting relationship between Redick and Williams, dating back to the latter’s season at Duke. Redick served as a mentor to Williams before taking on the role of Lakers head coach.
This season, Williams is averaging 16 points, 9.8 rebounds, and shooting 59.7% from the field, while also blocking 1.2 shots per game.
At 23, Williams is younger than Knecht, whom the Lakers parted with in this trade. He will earn $4.1 million this season, $6.2 million next season, and become a restricted free agent in 2026.
Injuries have hindered Williams’ career so far. He played just 43 games in his rookie season and 19 in his second year. He has appeared in 22 games this season.
Much of his missed time came due to a significant absence after an injury in December 2023. He didn’t return until December 2024.
Williams had initially missed the 2023-24 season due to a back injury. In training camp this season, he fractured a bone in his foot, which kept him out for the first months of the season.
Fortunately, neither injury required surgery, which has given the Lakers confidence for his future.
“Since debuting Dec. 3, he’s missed only five games,” said an insider. “He’s also had some big games of late, including a 38-point outing against Memphis. He had double-doubles in each of his final two games with Charlotte, tallying 20 points and 15 rebounds against Denver and 23 points and 14 rebounds against Washington.”
This trade also creates room for the Lakers to target a buyout player. Although the Lakers are now devoid of draft picks and have traded their best young player, the team is better rounded.
They’ve addressed their center need with a young player who fits Luka’s timeline, leaving the team flexible for future moves in the buyout market.
