Lakers Make a Bold Move Before Trade Deadline
The Lakers have pulled off another unexpected trade ahead of the 2025 NBA deadline, acquiring 23-year-old Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and two first-round picks. This move signals the team’s commitment to building around Luka Doncic, as Williams fits the mold of a center who thrived alongside Doncic in Dallas last season.
While the trade means sacrificing Knecht’s shooting alongside two of the greatest perimeter creators in NBA history—LeBron James and Luka Doncic—the Lakers are betting on Williams’ ability to stay healthy after playing just 85 games across his first three seasons. If he remains on the court, his skill set could be exactly what the team needs.
Projected Starting Lineup
Starters: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Mark Williams
The Lakers may have addressed their biggest roster weakness by acquiring Mark Williams. Even though Rob Pelinka previously suggested that the team might wait until the summer to fill the void at center left by Anthony Davis’ departure, he moved swiftly to secure Williams as the team’s long-term option. The 23-year-old brings mobility, rim protection, rebounding, and offensive efficiency around the basket.
“Given how Doncic elevated Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II in Dallas, this is a move that will fill everyone with optimism.” The trade not only shores up a crucial weakness but does so with arguably the best available option. Other rumored targets, such as Walker Kessler and Myles Turner, don’t provide the same skill set that has already proven to thrive alongside Doncic.
The rest of the starting lineup remains intact, with Reaves, Hachimura, and LeBron holding onto their spots. Reaves brings offensive versatility and could develop a strong two-man game with Doncic, given Luka’s history of thriving alongside high-scoring guards.
Meanwhile, Hachimura’s primary weakness—rebounding—is now covered by Williams, Doncic, and LeBron. However, if he fails to become a reliable defender on the wing, he could be at risk of losing his starting job to Dorian Finney-Smith, who has been surging.
Bench Rotation
Reserves: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, Shake Milton, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, Christian Wood, Bronny James, Trey Jemison (Two-Way), Christian Koloko (Two-Way), Armel Traore (Two-Way)
The bench unit remains largely the same, though a lack of consistent three-point shooters could be an issue. None of the reserves are reliable 40% shooters, which may create offensive struggles for the second unit. The Lakers will likely stagger Luka and LeBron’s minutes to ensure at least one of them is always on the floor.
Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt continue to serve as defensive specialists due to their offensive limitations. Dorian Finney-Smith has had streaky shooting performances in LA, but reuniting with Doncic could help him regain consistency.
Christian Wood, currently sidelined with an injury, could play a key role in offensive-heavy lineups once he returns, given that he averaged over 17 points per game in his last stint alongside Doncic. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes should be a more reliable option now that he has a playmaker like Luka to set him up for easy lobs.
Shake Milton and Markieff Morris may struggle to find meaningful minutes, while Maxi Kleber is already involved in trade discussions due to his ongoing recovery from a foot fracture.
