The LA Lakers are persevering with to flex their muscular tissues earlier than the tip of the commerce window and have lastly listened to Anthony Davis’ requests, it’s only a disgrace they’ve traded him.
Following the shock departure of Davis, which noticed the Lakers pull off maybe the most important commerce in NBA historical past to safe Luka Doncic, many questioned the shortage of measurement within the group.
Nonetheless, measurement ought to not be an issue following the reported commerce to usher in Charlotte Hornets’ 7′ 2″ heart Mark Williams.
The Lakers are set to surrender rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round choose and a 2030 choose swap to the Charlotte Hornets, based on Shams Charania.
But NBA knowledgeable Kevin O’Connor nonetheless believes that is the ‘good’ commerce for the Lakers.
With the Hornets sat 14th within the Jap Convention with a 12-36 report you might query why the Lakers have gone huge on bringing in considered one of their defenders.
Regardless of their poor report, the Hornets hand over on common simply 112.19 factors per sport, solely barely greater than the Lakers who common 112, an enormous a part of their means to maintain opposition offences quiet is Williams.
The 23-year-old averages 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per sport this season. Add this to his means to be a presence on the offensive finish as properly the place he averages 15.6 factors per sport whereas making 58.6% of his discipline objectives and you’ve got a critical weapon.
Talking following the commerce information, O’Connor mentioned: “Mark Williams is a surprising addition for the Lakers. Such an unbelievable commerce. Wow. Good for what they want now and into the long run.
“Inside defensive enforcer, rebounder, display screen and lob goal for Luka and LeBron. Plus has untapped capturing contact. A+ deadline turns into A+++++.
“Accidents are after all the priority with Mark Williams. However greater than definitely worth the upside guess at age 23 IMO. Shocked the Hornets moved him although the return is kind of good.”
O’Connor was not the one individual excited by the Lakers’ potential commerce for Williams, who will look to work in tandem with each LeBron James and Doncic.
NBA consultants Bobby Marks and Invoice Simmons are each huge followers of Williams however supported O’Connor’s considerations over his damage report.
Marks mentioned: “The one knock on Williams: Sturdiness Video games performed the final 3 years, 43, 19, 23,” whereas Simmons mentioned: “Mark Williams is legit good. (When he performs.)”
Lakers reporters nonetheless had been very happy with the Williams information with The Lakers assessment evaluating him to DeAndre Jordan.
Matthew Peralta of Lakers Nation said: “OK, I’ve some ideas on the Lakers buying and selling for Mark Williams: 1. Mark Williams is superb 2. He matches what the Lakers wanted 3. I’m OK overpaying a bit as a result of that is clearly a transfer to construct round Luka and the long run 4. Hell yeah.”
Whereas former NBA star Gilbert Arenas couldn’t assist however poke enjoyable at how the exit of Dalton Knecht would profit Bronny James.
It’s secure to say the transfer for Williams has actually obtained individuals speaking.
