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Lakers Trade for Center Williams, Addressing Key Roster Need

Posted : 06 February 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Williams, a move that addresses a key gap in the Lakers' roster, as acknowledged by vice president Rob Pelinka. Williams, a 23-year-old 7-foot, 240-pound center, is considered a mobile big man and lob threat that new Lakers star Luka Doncic wanted. Doncic had expressed his preference for a center who can provide vertical spacing at the rim, giving him another option when making offensive decisions.

 

Williams, currently averaging 16 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game for the Hornets, is expected to step in as the Lakers' starting center and grow alongside Doncic, who is 25. The two have a prior connection through Lakers coach JJ Redick, who mentored Williams during his time at Duke. This dynamic is seen as an important factor in the development of Williams, who is still in his third year in the league.

 

The Lakers have been active at the trade deadline, parting with two first-round picks and rotation players like Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and Knecht in order to acquire Doncic and Williams. This aggressive move is aimed at retooling the Lakers' roster for the future while maintaining a competitive win-now approach, particularly with LeBron James still performing at a high level in his 22nd season.

 

Despite concerns about Williams' injury history, having played in just 39.6% of games during his first two and a half seasons, the Lakers are confident in his medical status, with his recent back and foot injuries not requiring surgery. The trade also clears a roster spot and leaves the Lakers with a second-round pick to potentially pursue a player on the buyout market, where they may look for playmaking or shooting talent following Knecht's departure.

 

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