Lakers Trade Knecht, Reddish & 2031 Pick for Mark Willia

Lakers Trade Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and 2031 unprotected first to Charlotte for Mark Williams. This is excellent! Mark Williams flew under my radar but he's the most like AD in the NBA right now. The Lakers were looking to acquire him over the Summer. Though seeing Knecht go may seem like a loss, truth be told, he's unbearably inconsistent and he shows no fire. He seems content already! With DFS, I suppose Cam was expendable too. He as well was inconsistent but he's yet another top defender that the Lakers have lost and will feel it. Tremendous deal for....

On paper, this may seem like a good trade.

1.) We needed a starting center and he can fill that role.

2.) Knecht was drafted at 17 and Williams was drafted at 15. They are both in their early 20s so we are not giving up youth.

3.) With Luka, Knecht's minutes would have been reduced significantly and we have a lot of guards.

4.) His numbers look good and I haven’t seen much information about his susceptibility to injuries.

On the other hand.

1.) Knecht was improving over the last few games and looking to be a long term asset like Reeves. He sort of fell off the map after some monstrous games in November, but he is young and is developing. Playing like that early in LA unfortunately sets expectations. I think he got in his own head.

2.) I’ve read three articles about Williams and his lack of effort on both ends of the floor. One article even used the word, “Lazy”. We can’t have someone out there half assing the game.

I’m curious what everyone’s thoughts are on this….

I like the trade but worry about his health. Back injury last year and a foot injury this year. Not always a good sign for a 7"2" player. We do get younger as Williams is 8 months younger than Dalton.

I don't care about the pick swap in 2030, as we still will have a pick in that draft. I may worry about the pick in 2031. The key is what Rob does in 2026 when a lot of money comes off the books and we will have Luka to build around. Don't know who will be available, but time will tell.

I also think this frees up a roster spot for less money. Don't know all the ins and outs of the new apron rules, but if we are able, there might be some good buyout candidates to take a flyer on.

I read somewhere that he has missed more games in the last three years than any other active player...

Very promising young center for sure- here are some Mark Williams highlights. Gonna be a lot of lob dunks for him courtesy of Luka & Lebron:

This trade his been rescinded. Reddish and Knecht are to report back of the Lakers. He failed his physical.

Yeah we get Knecht back. Might be a blessing in disguise.

I think I’d feel a bit better about it if we had Wood healthy. Still no news on his return. I like Hayes, but he’s not a starter in my opinion. DH? Where you at these days? Maybe Mo Bamba who is available in the buyout market? Still not comfortable with the status of this position.

Wonder how he failed his physical…

I read Mark Williams failed his physical on several accounts.

moses brown or olynyk

On another note, Davis already out multiple weeks with the Mavs.

Kwame Brown?

I was thinking the same thing.

If he puts up 30 in a critical game, folks will be saying Williams who?

There are three grades I read.

Out 2 weeks, out 4 weeks or out 4 months!

Maybe one of the three will step up.

Koloko is the most likely to do so....

I would bring in Dwight. He's in great shape and playing in Taiwan...

He's developed a three point shot too!

I agree with this. Mo Bamba bounces around the league and seems to be extremely ineffective for a 7-footer.

this isn't 2020, howard and mcgee are old