The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t done working the market ahead of the trade deadline following their acquisition of star Luka Doncic.
The Lakers needed a big man to replace Anthony Davis, who they traded to Dallas, and they landed promising 7-foot center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, a person with knowledge of the trade told USA TODAY Sports.
The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the trade is official.
Charlotte yielded rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap in the deal with the Lakers, who are trying to win now with the 40-year-old LeBron James and prepare for a future without him under first-year coach JJ Redick.
Grading the Lakers-Hornets trade:
Los Angeles Lakers grade: B
Williams is a talented, athletic big man, no question about it. But the 23-year-old in his third NBA season has had injuries, playing in just 43 games his rookie season, 19 last season and he has appeared in 22 games this season, missing time with left knee and foot injuries.
This season, he averages 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks and shoots 58.6% from the field and 78% on free throws. He scored a career-high 38 points (with nine rebounds and five assists) against Memphis on Jan. 22 and delivered a 19-point, 19-rebound performance against Chicago on Jan. 17.
It’s easy to envision him in pick-and-roll situations with James and Doncic. But because of his injury history, it’s a risky trade. The Lakers are now without first-round picks in 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031.
Charlotte Hornets grade: B+
It’s tough to trade a player with Williams’ potential. But also a little easier with that injury history. The Hornets are trying to rebuild on the fly under first-year general manager Jeff Peterson and first-year coach Charles Lee.
The Hornets are in possession of their own first-round pick in the next seven drafts, are owed a first-rounder from Miami in either 2027 or 2028, a likely first-round pick from Dallas in 2027 and a first-round pick from the Lakers in 2031.
With draft capital compiled, the Hornets are in position to start adding young talent and/or trade picks to obtain proven players.
