3 reasons why Mark Williams trade makes Luka Doncic and LeBron James favorites for championship
Here's how the Lakers boosted their championship chances with Luka Doncic and LeBron James by trading for Hornets' center Mark Williams.
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Mark Williams' addition will help Luka Doncic and LeBron James championship path
The Los Angeles Lakers front office can’t seem to keep their hands off the phone as this rollercoaster trade deadline continues to spring surprises every other minute. After landing Luka Doncic to pair with LeBron James in one of the most unprecedented trades in NBA history, the Lakers swung the needle once again after trading for Charlotte Hornets’ center Mark Williams on Wednesday.
Williams, the 23-year-old center, has a lot to like for the Lakers, especially his size on the court. But how does he help the Lakers in their immediate path to success? Given that the Lakeshow bid adieu to their youth brigade by trading away Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and future draft capital in exchange for Williams, the potential that the 7’2″ big man offers is what the Lakers’ front office is banking on.
Ever since Anthony Davis was sent to Dallas in the Doncic trade, the Lakers had been in dire need of a rim-protecting big man who could also provide vertical spacing on offense. Williams fits that mold perfectly. He’s young, athletic, and possesses the size and mobility to thrive alongside two of the best playmakers in the league.
While he may not offer the same two-way dominance as Davis, his skill set makes him an ideal complement to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Let’s look at 3 reasons why the addition of Mark Williams will aid the Lakers in their path to championship contention.
Mark Williams’ vertical spacing will aid Luka Doncic and LeBron James
One of the biggest advantages Mark Williams brings to the Lakers is his ability to function as a lob threat and finisher in the paint. His 9’9” standing reach and 7’6.5” wingspan make him one of the most physically dominant vertical spacers in the NBA. Playing alongside elite playmakers like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Williams will get plenty of opportunities for easy buckets in the pick-and-roll.
Both Doncic and James have thrived when paired with rim-running bigs in the past. James won a championship in 2020, playing alongside Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard, who provided vertical spacing and rim protection.
Similarly, Doncic’s best performances have come with athletic centers like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, whose ability to catch lobs made the Mavericks’ offense one of the most dynamic in the league. Williams will fill that role perfectly for the Lakers. He has shot a whopping 67.8% from within 5 feet of the basket this season, giving Doncic and James a reliable target in the paint.
Mark Williams’ rebounding helps the Lakers’ issues on the boards
Rebounding has been a major weakness for the Lakers this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in total rebounds per game. Prior to acquiring Williams, the Lakers were averaging just 41.6 rebounds per game, placing them 25th in the NBA. This was part of the reason why Anthony Davis was gunning for the Lakers front office to add another big man to aid him on the boards.
Even though Davis will not be present for the Lakers as one of their primary weapons on the glass, Mark Williams slots into that role perfectly. Williams is a high-energy rebounder who has averaged 9.6 rebounds in just 25 minutes of action per game this season. His presence on the glass will be a major boost, particularly on the offensive boards, where he can create second-chance opportunities.
Mark Williams data for this season pic.twitter.com/He4AVSXlIJ
— 🀄️ (@ReviveMarc) February 6, 2025
For a Lakers team that has struggled to generate extra possessions, Williams’ rebounding could be a game-changer down the stretch of the season. Beyond just individual rebounding numbers, his presence will allow James and Doncic to focus more on facilitating and scoring rather than battling for boards against bigger opponents.
Mark Williams is the shot-blocker the Lakers need after Anthony Davis
One of the biggest concerns after trading away Anthony Davis was how the Lakers would maintain a strong defensive presence in the paint. Davis wasn’t just the team’s best shot-blocker—he was a game-changing defender who altered shots at the rim and anchored the Lakers’ defensive schemes.
While Mark Williams isn’t near Davis’ level defensively, he has the tools to develop into an elite shot-blocker. At 7’2” with a massive wingspan and reach, he is already averaging 1.2 blocks per game this season. His ability to contest shots and deter drives will be crucial for a Lakers team that has struggled defensively in the absence of Davis.
The Lakers’ defense is already a point of concern given the age of 40-year-old LeBron James and the much-criticised defense of Luka Doncic. Lakers head coach JJ Redick will need his frontcourt led by Mark Williams and Jaxson Hayes to protect the rim in the event of defensive lapses on the perimeter from their primary superstars.
With the additions of Luka Doncic and Mark Williams this offseason, the Lakers have retooled their roster into a legitimate championship contender right now, and for years to come. Williams provides the vertical spacing that both Doncic and James need to maximize their offensive potential, while his rebounding and defensive presence help address key weaknesses that arose after trading Davis.
The only question that may be a point of concern for the Lakers is that of Mark Williams’ health. While Williams has missed significant time due to injuries early in his career, the Lakers are confident that he can stay healthy and develop into a long-term piece alongside Doncic. If Williams lives up to his potential, the Lakers will have found their ideal frontcourt partner for Doncic, setting them up for a deep playoff run and potentially another championship in the LeBron era.
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Armaan Gupta
(402 Articles Published)