Lakers Trade for Mark Williams, Send Knecht & Reddish to Hornets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and draft picks, according to sources. This move follows the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic, as the Lakers continue reshaping their roster. Williams, a promising 7-foot-2 center, addresses a major need in LA’s frontcourt after Anthony Davis’ departure. Meanwhile, Charlotte continues its long-term rebuild, adding draft capital and young talent.
Lakers Trade for Mark Williams: Quick Look
- Lakers acquire center Mark Williams from the Hornets.
- Charlotte receives Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap.
- Williams provides size and defense, filling a crucial role after Anthony Davis’ trade.
- This is the Lakers’ second major move, following their acquisition of Luka Doncic.
- Hornets continue rebuilding, stockpiling future draft picks and young talent.
- Williams has averaged 16 PPG, 9.8 RPG, but has battled injuries.
Lakers Trade for Mark Williams, Send Knecht & Reddish to Hornets
Lakers Acquire Mark Williams From Hornets in Latest Trade Move
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, acquiring center Mark Williams in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and draft considerations, a source confirmed to The Associated Press.
This marks another major roster move for the Lakers, who recently acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade that sent Anthony Davis out of Los Angeles. The Lakers now have a revamped lineup, potentially positioning themselves as championship contenders.
Trade Details
Lakers receive:
- Mark Williams (C)
Hornets receive:
- Dalton Knecht (G/F)
- Cam Reddish (G/F)
- Lakers’ unprotected 2031 first-round pick
- Right to swap first-round picks in 2030
Lakers Address Center Position With Williams
With Anthony Davis traded and Christian Wood sidelined long-term, the Lakers were thin at center, leaving only Jaxson Hayes as their primary option. Williams, a 7-foot-2 defensive presence, helps fill that gap.
- Williams has averaged 16.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and 1.2 BPG this season.
- He excels in pick-and-roll situations, making him a strong fit alongside Luka Doncic.
- Despite injuries limiting him to 84 games in three seasons, he has shown promise when healthy.
Williams expressed excitement about the move, posting gold and purple hearts on social media after news of the trade broke.
Charlotte Continues Rebuild, Adds Knecht & Reddish
The Hornets are clearly building for the future, accumulating draft assets and young players under new ownership.
- Knecht, the Lakers’ first-round pick last summer, has averaged 9.4 PPG and 3.1 RPG as a rookie. He showcased elite outside shooting, hitting nine 3-pointers in a 37-point game in November.
- Reddish has played a limited role this season, averaging 3.3 PPG.
Charlotte now owns:
- Their first-round pick in the next seven drafts.
- A top-14 protected first-round pick from Miami (2027, unprotected in 2028).
- A top-2 protected first-round pick from Dallas (2027).
- A first-round pick swap with the Lakers (2030).
- The Lakers’ unprotected first-round pick (2031).
This follows their recent trade of Nick Richards to Phoenix for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers have now traded seven of their original 13 opening-night players, signaling a dramatic roster transformation. The team also cleared a roster spot in the deal, which could be used for a depth signing before the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is expected to debut for the Lakers on Saturday against the Pacers, barring any setbacks.
With LeBron James turning 40 and Doncic leading the new-look roster, the Lakers are making aggressive moves to chase another championship.
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