Los Angeles Lakers acquire Mark Williams from Hornets for Knecht, Reddish, picks

The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap, per Shams Charania. Williams, a 7-footer out of Duke, is averaging a career-high 15.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks this season.

This move fills the frontcourt gap left after the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic. Despite durability concerns—having played only 40% of possible games in his career—Williams brings elite rebounding and interior presence that could be pivotal for L.A.’s playoff push.