Report: Lakers Traded For Mark Williams After Having Conversation With Luka Doncic

February 6, 2025

According to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Mark Williams after having a conversation with Luka Doncic.

The Lakers acquired Williams from the Charlotte Hornets.

“Williams, listed at 7-0, 240 pounds, fits the profile of the mobile big man and lob threat that new Lakers star Luka Doncic prefers to play alongside,” McMenamin wrote. “Doncic met with Lakers brass Monday and impressed upon them his desire to have that type of center on the roster, sources said, believing a big man who provides vertical spacing at the rim gives him another option when making his offensive reads.

“The Lakers view Williams, 23, as an answer at starting center right now and someone who can progress on the same timeline as the 25-year-old Doncic, sources said. The third-year veteran also has previous ties to Lakers coach JJ Redick, with the two connecting while Williams played at Duke University, Redick’s alma mater. A source described the dynamic of their relationship as that of a mentor and mentee.”

The Lakers traded Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets for Williams, who is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this season while shooting 58.6% from the field and 78.0% from the free-throw line.

Los Angeles is in fifth place in the Western Conference standings with a strong record of 29-19. The coaching staff is expected to start Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Williams once Doncic recovers from his calf injury.

Williams has career averages of 11.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He was the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

“One knock on Williams early in his career has been availability,” McMenamin wrote. “He has played in 84 out of a possible 212 games through his first two and a half seasons with the Hornets (39.6%). Los Angeles is confident in his medicals, sources told ESPN, and Williams’ recent back and foot injuries never required surgery, sources said.”