The Los Angeles Lakers are not done making moves ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. On Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN confirmed that the Lakers traded rookie Dalton Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams. This is to accommodate their newest star acquisition, Luka Doncic, who benefits from big men like Williams.
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. pic.twitter.com/QGUwETssGd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
The deal also includes Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap.
The Lakers and Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA with a blockbuster deal on Saturday. For Doncic, the Los Angeles franchise sent All-Star Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. Rob Pelinka, the team’s general manager, stated that they are looking to trade for a big man after acquiring the Slovenian star.
Davis’s exit reduced their frontcourt depth, so they needed to come up with a quick fix before Doncic made his debut. According to insiders, the five-time All-Star may play in his first Lakers game on Monday against the Utah Jazz.
Knecht was a fan favorite within the Lakers fanbase. His reliable shooting stroke has earned him a role in the team’s rotation. As a rookie, he’s earned his spot in the team and played 48 games before he was traded. In his short stint with Los Angeles, the former Tennessee star averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds on 35.8% shooting from the 3-point arc.
Laker fans will remember some of his memorable games. He had his career-high of 37 points in November. Knecht shot 9-for-12 from deep against the Utah Jazz, leading the team to a 124-118 victory.
The player that the team will be getting, Williams, has proven to be a great talent. The third-year center from Duke has played 22 games this season, averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Over the last 10 games he’s played, the big man averaged 20.3 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
NBA Insider Marc Stein revealed his realization of this year’s trade deadline. According to him, the Lakers appear to have won.
Starting to think the Lakers might have won this trade deadline …
More NBA from me: https://t.co/IIIlAloJCf https://t.co/SWRixbnZU0
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 6, 2025
LeBron James is committed to the Lakers following their surprise moves
The Lakers have been part of trade rumors since the season started. There were plenty of talks about which players the team was targeting, only to end up shocking everyone with the acquisition of Doncic. After their win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, James was asked if he has any issue with the move that addresses the team’s future more than the present.
“What’s wrong with that?” James asked.
He was asked again, this time about his plans to stay with the team. James reiterated that he’s committed to the franchise even after the team’s recent moves.
“If I had concerns about it, I’d waive my no-trade clause and get up out of here. I’m here right now. I’m here right now. I’m committed to the Lakers organization. As the leader of the team, as one of the captains of the team, it’s my job to make it as seamless as possible [for the new acquisitions].”
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
