Los Angeles -- Immediately after dealing bigman Anthony Davis for perennial star Luka Dončić, the Lakers had a huge hole at their center spot position. Wednesday night they filled that frontcourt need, acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets.
The Lakers agreed to send rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets for Williams, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
At 23 years old, Williams gives the Lakers long-term stability with a huge upside as an explosive seven-foot center who can pair with Dončić and LeBron James as a defensive lob threat.
Williams biggest game with the Hornets this season came in a late Jan. loss to the Grizzlies. He scored a season-high 38 points on 77.8% (14-for-18) shooting. He had another 30-point outing in a five-point win over the Jazz, scoring 31 points (13 rebounds) on 85.7% (12-for-14) shooting.
In 22 games (started 19) this season for Charlotte, Williams averaged 16 points, 9.8 rebounds (3.4 offensive rebounds), and 1.2 blocks.
The move also opened up a roster spot for the Lakers to potentially shop the buyout market or even another trade.