Mark Williams Was Lakers’ 6th Choice Behind 5 Other Better Centers
Mark Williams Was Lakers' 6th Choice Behind 5 Other Better Centers
The Los Angeles Lakers secured Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets after exploring several potential options at center.
The front office engaged in talks with multiple teams, targeting high-caliber big men like Jalen Duren, Myles Turner, Jericho Sims, Robert Williams III and Jakob Poeltl before finalizing the Williams deal.
The Lakers’ search criteria focused on defensive-minded centers who could protect the rim and provide vertical spacing.
Detroit’s Duren emerged as an early target, but negotiations stalled due to the Pistons’ steep asking price. Turner remained out of reach as the Pacers maintained their playoff push.
The trade package for Williams included Cam Reddish, rookie Dalton Knecht, and draft assets. At 23 years old, Williams brings impressive statistics to Los Angeles, posting 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. His 9’9″ standing reach makes him an exceptional shot-blocker.
Key Williams Statistics:
- Points per game: 15.6
- Rebounds: 9.6
- Blocks: 1.2
Williams fits naturally alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, offering strong pick-and-roll potential and rim protection. His athleticism and mobility complement the Lakers’ fast-paced style.
Rob Pelinka’s aggressive approach demonstrates the Lakers’ win-now mentality. The front office continues exploring additional moves, with Maxi Kleber’s $11 million contract potentially available for another roster upgrade.
Injury Management Considerations:
- Limited to 85 games in first three seasons
- History of various injuries
- Careful load management needed
The Lakers remain active in trade discussions as the deadline approaches. Their pursuit of Williams signals a commitment to building a championship roster around their star duo of James and Doncic.
Does Mark Williams Have An Attitude Problem?
Williams was criticized for having a bad attitude following a recent game between the Hornets and Washington Wizards.
“I’m okay when shots are missed, I’m okay when errors happen,” Hornets announcer Terrence Oglesby said two days prior to the trade.
“But if there’s at least effort, I can live with those things. Mark Williams has put together a first half that I’ve never seen from a starting center at the NBA level… He was so poor from an effort perspective today that they had to switch him off of Jonas Valanciunas, and then he was giving up wide-open three because he wasn’t hustling out to contest threes,” Oglesby continued.
“The effort has to be better. You might be down 23 points, whatever. This is a Washington Wizards team that’s dead last in offense and defense. And they are beating you by 23 points on your home floor because you don’t feel like moving. This is crazy.
“Mark Williams, if you’re going to be a center of a franchise where they’ve invested in you, and they have planned for you to be a core piece of what they’re going to be moving forward, that effort is unacceptable.”
It will be interesting to see how Williams adjusts to playing for a legitimate championship contender in the Lakers.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
