The Los Angeles Lakers struck a deal to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-rounder, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The 7-foot Williams immediately restocks the Lakers with size after they gave up Anthony Davis in the shocking blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic.
Williams, a third-year pro, is averaging 16 points and 9.8 rebounds this season. The Duke product entered the league as the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft and has steadily increased his production. He's struggled with injuries, though, and has played in just 84 games over two-and-a-half seasons.
Still, Williams profiles as the type of lob threat Doncic thrived with on the Dallas Mavericks when running pick-and-roll actions. Williams also has a relationship with Lakers coach JJ Redick, who was something of a mentor at Duke, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
The Lakers are shipping out Knecht, their first-round rookie who's averaging 9.4 points and shooting 35.8% from deep. The former Tennessee star started 12 games for L.A. and played over 20 minutes per contest.
Reddish struggled to carve out a role on the Lakers and is headed to his fifth team in six seasons.
The Lakers go into Thursday's trade deadline with a 29-19 record, good for fifth in the Western Conference. The Hornets are destined for the NBA lottery once again, as they rank near the bottom of the league with only 12 wins.
