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New Lakers Center Makes First Post After Big Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 12:54 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy over the past few days as Thursday's NBA trade deadline inches closer.

Early Sunday morning, just a few hours after LeBron James and the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks, ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that they had swapped forward Anthony Davis for Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.

With Davis on his way out, Los Angeles had a major hole in the post that Doncic can not resolve. However, early Thursday morning, Charania was at it once again, revealing a second Lakers trade.

The Lakers have acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. Unfortunately, they had to give up young prospect Dalton Knecht.

"Just In: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, sources tell ESPN," Charania wrote on X.

Shortly after the news broke, Williams took to social media as well to share his reaction to the trade. And it seems the former Duke center is excited.

"," Williams wrote on X.

— Mark Williams (@MarkWi1liams) February 6, 2025

Williams, 23, was selected with the No. 15 pick in the 2022 NBA draft. Over his three-year career with the Hornets, the big man has struggled to stay on the floor, playing in only 84 games. Still, Williams is having a breakout season in 2024-25, averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

With the addition of Williams, the Lakers now have two lob threats, including Jaxson Hayes, that are capable rim protectors, replacing a portion of what Davis left.

It is unclear when Williams will make his Los Angeles debut, but Doncic is expected to make him on Saturday.

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

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