Williams is a legit starting center in the NBA; he's not a perfect player and his offensive game is still developing, but he's a reliable lob threat, a real deterrant in the paint and is still improving in pretty much all facets.

Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, forward Max Kleber, forward Markieff Morris, vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick pose for photos at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most active teams in the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline. On Thursday, the Lakers made their third trade of the season, acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, the Lakers’ 2031 first round pick and a pick swap in 2030.