The Los Angeles Lakers had to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets to cover the center vacuum left by Anthony Davis’s departure, even if signing Luka Doncic was a no-brainer transaction.
The team had to give up Cam Reddish, Dalton Knecht, a 2030 selection swap, and an unprotected first-round pick in 2031, thus it came at a high price.
However, Williams is a young, promising center who is in the middle of a career year and has the potential to be Doncic’s partner for many years to come.
Williams and Lakers head coach JJ Redick were mentors to one another while they were both players at Duke. Redick talked about the beginning of their relationship once the transaction was formally announced.
“Mark was playing at Duke when I met him,” Redick recalled. We had a couple discussions about the NBA, agents, and other things as he was leaving the draft process. I’m a huge fan of his and have heard nothing but positive things about his character and intelligence throughout the years.
Additionally, he put in a lot of work to prepare for an interview that never came up during his previous year, so he was well acquainted with him and felt that he would be a great fit for the time being. He is a great fit for the future.
Redick also discussed Williams’ potential contributions to the Lakers, particularly when paired with Doncic.
Yes, I believe Luka can play in a variety of ways. Having several centers that can offer a vertical threat would be very beneficial to us, Redick continued. “Mark gives that vertical threat, and we think he’s a young starting center in this NBA.
” We believe that it is our responsibility as staff to help him grow as a screener, decision-maker in the pocket, and defensive end, but we are sure that he will be a very excellent player for us because of his character, work ethic, and IQ.
Williams will offer much-needed size to the club, even though Redick has been using small-ball a lot lately. Although the big man’s defense does use some improvement, working with Redick and the Lakers coaching staff could only benefit the 23-year-old’s future growth.
The Lakers’ next game is against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, though Redick has not yet announced when the big man will make his club debut.
Prior to Mark Williams’ acquisition, Luka Doncic provided the Lakers with feedback on their ideal center. Luka Doncic apparently provided the Lakers with his thoughts on his ideal center’s appearance prior to the team finalizing a trade for one before the trade deadline, which was clearly Mark Williams. Williams was the ideal fit for Doncic, who has usually flourished with pick-and-roll bigs who can catch lobs.
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