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JJ Redick's Unique History With Mark Williams Resurfaces After Lakers Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Smith | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 1:42 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers spent the bulk of the first half of the 2024-25 NBA season floating around the middle-to-bottom of the Western Conference playoff picture. While there were glimpses of upside, they also suffered a number of head-scratching losses as well.

So, as the 2025 NBA trade deadline approached, fans held out hope the team would address at least one area of need. General manager Rob Pelinka did that and then some by making two extremely noteworthy deals.

The Lakers' trade for former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić sent shockwaves through the NBA. Pelinka brought in a 25-year-old superstar and, ideally, the longtime face of the franchise.

While the franchise's second move may not have a Dončić-level of impact, it addresses arguably the biggest hole on the Lakers roster. As ESPN's Shams Charania reported late Wednesday/early Thursday, the Lakers acquired Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap.

Williams's fit alongside Dončić and LeBron James has the potential to be incredibly impactful immediately. But just as noteworthy is the fact that Lakers head coach JJ Redick already has a relationship with Williams and should have little issue capitalizing on his skillset.

After the trade news broke, ESPN's Dave McMenamin noted that Redick and Williams had a "mentor/mentee dynamic" while the big man was at Duke.

Mark Williams, 23, can progress on Luka Doncic’s timeline and has ties to Lakers coach JJ Redick, who had a mentor/mentee dynamic with him when he was at Duke University, sources told ESPN.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2025

Redick's relationship with Williams and knowledge of his skillset will be a significant positive for the Lakers' new-look lineup, and specifically the franchise's newest big man.

Williams is in the midst of the best season of his young career, averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks in 22 games. He'll now have the opportunity to play alongside a trio of great passers in Dončić, James and Austin Reaves, which will set him up with a prime opportunity to hit the ground running in Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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