BREAKING: Lakers trade Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, 1st for Mark Williams

[Im Still Ballin]

Holy shit!

[Charania] 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.

Lakers are trading for a rising 7-foot-2 center, giving the franchise a starting center in Williams who fits the profile of athleticism and verticality that has flourished with Luka Doncic. Hornets land a rookie in Knecht they are excited about, and draft capital.

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887369554042454044

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887369896159273062

[Im Still Ballin]

If Mark is healthy and gets his defense back to what it was as a rookie? Watch the **** out. His offense is going to explode with Luka and LeBron. And he's already averaging 16/10 on 64.2% TS in 25 minutes per game.

[Proctor]

Never ceases to amaze me how many absolutely braindead, dumbfvcked franchises there are.

I don't even think I've watched Williams and already know this is a stupid trade. Traded away Nick Richards already as well.

All so they can build around...Lamelo, Miller and Knecht? And let's not forget their big get in the Richards trade...Okogie.

:roll:

[1987_Lakers]

The center AD wanted. :lol

Makes sense. Love Knecht, but with with no AD & with LeBron, Luka, & Reaves already having defensive limitations, there was little need for Knecht.

[iamgine]

Welp, I guess he is so injury prone that Charlotte don't even want to deal with it.

[Im Still Ballin]

He's a huge center. Legit 7-footer barefoot/7'2" in shoes with a 9'9" standing reach.

[Neal Romer]

If Mark is healthy and gets his defense back to what it was as a rookie? Watch the **** out. His offense is going to explode with Luka and LeBron. And he's already averaging 16/10 on 64.2% TS in 25 minutes per game.

Why/how does it disappear in the first place?

I saw some clips of this dude from a couple different games recently after hearing of him mentioned on ISH, and I was struck by the fact he was a complete traffic cone on defense. Like to a startling degree. Basically moved out of the way his opponent when they got the ball. As if he was specifically trying to remove himself from the play. It was weird.

Im shocked the Lakers traded one of the few pure shooters they have on the roster for this dude. I doubt theres much Mark Williams can do that Jaxson Hayes cant do with a little bit of experience. If theyd traded Knecht for a serious perimeter defender Id get it, but for Mark Williams? Honestly feels AWFUL.

[RRR3]

The Hornets are braindead, Williams has all-star potential

[Im Still Ballin]

Why/how does it disappear in the first place?

I saw some clips of this dude from a couple different games recently after hearing of him mentioned on ISH, and I was struck by the fact he was a complete traffic cone on defense. Like to a startling degree. Basically moved out of the way his opponent when they got the ball. As if he was specifically trying to remove himself from the play. It was weird.

Im shocked the Lakers traded one of the few pure shooters they have on the roster for this dude. I doubt theres much Mark Williams can do that Jaxson Hayes cant do with a little bit of experience. If theyd traded Knecht for a serious perimeter defender Id get it, but for Mark Williams? Honestly feels AWFUL.

I think a change of scenery to a serious team will motivate him. It did for PJ Washington when he went from Charlotte to Dallas.

[Proctor]

Why/how does it disappear in the first place?

I saw some clips of this dude from a couple different games recently after hearing of him mentioned on ISH, and I was struck by the fact he was a complete traffic cone on defense. Like to a startling degree. Basically moved out of the way his opponent when they got the ball. As if he was specifically trying to remove himself from the play. It was weird.

Im shocked the Lakers traded one of the few pure shooters they have on the roster for this dude. I doubt theres much Mark Williams can do that Jaxson Hayes cant do with a little bit of experience. If theyd traded Knecht for a serious perimeter defender Id get it, but for Mark Williams? Honestly feels AWFUL.
Haven't watched him, but if that's true, is he basically an Al Jefferson? Looks like he has some serious offensive game so the Lakers should be benefit regardless.

[Im Still Ballin]

Luka + Lively was the #1 offensive RAPM/#3 RAPM pairing (https://xrapm.com/table_pages/RAPM_pair.html) in recent years. Minimum of 5,000+ possessions. Luka + Mark Williams has the potential to be that combination but on steroids.

If he's healthy, of course.

[RRR3]

Haven't watched him, but if that's true, is he basically an Al Jefferson? Looks like he has some serious offensive game so the Lakers should be benefit regardless.
Mark Williams has great potential, who knows if he'll reach it but he could easily be a 20/10 guy and he has defensive potential even if it hasn't shown up yet. Starface is downplaying it because of his lame LeBron shtick probably.

[Im Still Ballin]

Mark had elite defensive impact as a rookie. He begun the season in the G League and began starting once Plumlee was traded. He had a Gobert-like floor-raising effect on Charlotte's defense:


Mark Williams is a defensive beast that alters every shot in the paint if its not blocked. Before Mark Williams became the Hornets starter, the Hornets were 25th in defensive rating and since he became their starter they’ve been 7th. During the last 24 games the Charlotte Hornets managed to have a .500 record and during this stretch they were 2nd best defense in the league when Mark played and 21st in the 8 games he didn’t play.

There is no other player who’s team jumps from one of the best defenses in the league when he plays to one of the worst when he doesn’t play as consistently.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaDg3IdOv_U&pp=ygUVbWFyayB3aWxsaWFtcyBkZWZlbnNl


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAKMgbw7Kk8&pp=ygUVbWFyayB3aWxsaWFtcyBkZWZlbnNl\


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_zJRnssefs&ab_channel=AlwaysHoops

[Proctor]

How long until the Lakers fleece McCollum or Zion away from the Pelicans or some shit? Won't need Reaves will they?

[Neal Romer]

Haven't watched him, but if that's true, is he basically an Al Jefferson? Looks like he has some serious offensive game so the Lakers should be benefit regardless.

Look at the videos ISB posted. In fact he even said it earlier in the thread, the guy is Toody on offense. He gets the ball under the rim, goes up and dunks it. Thats it.

Toody is top 5 all time in TS%. Does that make him good? And this guy cant even play defense.

Hes getting birdfed points on an absolute shit team. He doesnt look all that natural either. Hes just big. Hes not like a real offensive player from what I see. Just efficient like Tood because of the dunks. DeAndre Jordan without defense.

Im not saying he cant be a useful player with Lebron and Luka, Im saying why did you trade your best shooter (besides Lebron) for him? You could get guys like this for less IMO.

[Neal Romer]

Mark Williams has great potential, who knows if he'll reach it but he could easily be a 20/10 guy and he has defensive potential even if it hasn't shown up yet. Starface is downplaying it because of his lame LeBron shtick probably.


Youre as stupid as you are ugly.

[RRR3]

Look at the videos ISB posted. In fact he even said it earlier in the thread, the guy is Toody on offense. He gets the ball under the rim, goes up and dunks it. Thats it.

Toody is top 5 all time in TS%. Does that make him good? And this guy cant even play defense.

Hes getting birdfed points on an absolute shit team. He doesnt look all that natural either. Hes just big. Hes not like a real offensive player from what I see. Just efficient like Toody.
Dim as usual. He has far more skill than Toody, watch a game.

[RRR3]

Youre as stupid as you are ugly.
https://i.ibb.co/tQc6B4V/images.jpg

[1987_Lakers]

Haven't seen much of him, my biggest question mark is his defense (other than his injuries), but looking at the defensive metrics he doesn't seem that bad. Seems to be Charlotte's most impactful defender when healthy.

[beasted]

Hornets fleeced the Lakers.

[Neal Romer]

Dim as usual. He has far more skill than Toody, watch a game.

You have watched the NBA EVERY single night ALL NIGHT throughout the entire "prime" of your comically pathetic life and you still cant make heads or tails of what's actually happening. Your opinions are shit-tarded and you are developmentally disabled. I shouldn't even be scolding you because Im not saying that as ad hominem. I really honestly believe you actually are. You even look like your chromosome count is off. Youre handicapped and I apologize for being insulting.

[iamgine]

I'd say he's borderline top 10 center when he played. Certainly much better than Knecht or Reddish.

But this seems like another Robert Williams case. Really good but too injury prone.

[3ba11]

Haven't seen much of him, my biggest question mark is his defense (other than his injuries), but looking at the defensive metrics he doesn't seem that bad. Seems to be Charlotte's most impactful defender when healthy.


wow, another miracle - it's amazing how the lakers are so good at getting everyone's best players on both sides of the ball

[Neal Romer]

Hornets fleeced the Lakers.

Somehow even the rebuilding Hornets didnt have much interest in keeping this "amazing young stud center." Wonder what rrr3s explanation is for that.

[1987_Lakers]

wow, another miracle - it's amazing how the lakers are so good at getting everyone's best players on both sides of the ball

meltdown :oldlol:

[Im Still Ballin]

https://i.ibb.co/tQc6B4V/images.jpg

Look at the broad shoulders and the sullen, Robert Mitchum-like expression. Simply put: a dignified tour de force.

[RRR3]

Somehow even the rebuilding Hornets didnt have much interest in keeping this "amazing young stud center." Wonder what rrr3s explanation is for that.
Idk multiple posters who give serious, in depth analysis of the game like ISB and 1987 Lakers have said dude seems solid, and ISB follows him closely, but instead we should listen to you the guy who claims Porzingis is top 5 and Jayson Tatum is bad at basketball.

[Im Still Ballin]

Injuries are a concern but I think playing for Charlotte has meant urgency has been at a minimum. The upside on this trade could be monstrous.

[Neal Romer]

Idk multiple posters who give serious, in depth analysis of the game like ISB and 1987 Lakers have said dude seems solid, and ISB follows him closely, but instead we should listen to you the guy who claims Porzingis is top 5 and Jayson Tatum is bad at basketball.

ISB said IN THIS THREAD Mark Williams offense reminds him of Toody.

You clown Toody's offense 24/7 but Mark Williams has "great potential?"

You dont have the brainpower to keep a consistent set of ideas in your head. Nothing is connected. You have cognitive dissonance. Youre RRR3.

[Neal Romer]

Injuries are a concern but I think playing for Charlotte has meant urgency has been at a minimum. The upside on this trade could be monstrous.

I mean people tell me how good LaMelo is and how good Mark Williams is and Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges are supposed to be good pieces and all these guys are supposed to be great in a vacuum, so how come the Hornets SUCK?

Maybe numbers really arent that big of a deal on losing teams. Remember when Kevin Love was doing Wilt numbers in Minny?? People really thought he was like a top 10 player because numbers.

[beasted]

Somehow even the rebuilding Hornets didnt have much interest in keeping this "amazing young stud center." Wonder what rrr3s explanation is for that.

He's injury prone and he's a solid big when n healthy guy but absolutely does not have allstar potential. The fact the Lakers gave up an unprotected 1st 6 years from now for him is insane, along with a pick swap AND a quality rookie is madness. Desperation at its finest to keep their stars happy.

[RRR3]

ISB said IN THIS THREAD Mark Williams offense reminds him of Toody.

You clown Toody's offense 24/7 but Mark Williams has "great potential?"

You dont have the brainpower to keep a consistent set of ideas in your head. Nothing is connected. You have cognitive dissonance. Youre RRR3.
No ISB compared his DEFENSE as a rookie to Gobert in this thread, I understand you struggle with reading, though. He plays similarly enough to Gobert on offense in terms of being a rim running big, but he can hit floaters and difficult contested layups under duress that Gobert just isn't converting or even bothering to attempt, plus he's a much better passer. You really don't know what you're talking about here, and will look foolish if he manages to stay healthy. Just like you look foolish with your Tatum sucks and Wemby isn't that great takes.

And Williams is averaging 23 pts per 36 if you think there is a team in the league Gobert is capable of doing that on, you're even stupider than I thought.

[1987_Lakers]

I do understand the concerns about his defense though. As a 7 footer, you would expect him to be a more impactful defender.

[RRR3]

I do understand the concerns about his defense though. As a 7 footer, you would expect him to be a more impactful defender.
I'm not saying it's going to be the same thing but PJ Washington was being called a bad defender before he got traded to Dallas and now he's considered quite good. Just a pretty horrible atmosphere in Charlotte, and he was impactful on defense as a rookie, so it might just be the losing culture permeating things.

[1987_Lakers]

He's injury prone and he's a solid big when n healthy guy but absolutely does not have allstar potential. The fact the Lakers gave up an unprotected 1st 6 years from now for him is insane, along with a pick swap AND a quality rookie is madness. Desperation at its finest to keep their stars happy.

With Luka, it will be a late 1st rounder. No biggie.

[Neal Romer]

No ISB compared his DEFENSE as a rookie to Gobert in this thread, I understand you struggle with reading, though. He plays similarly enough to Gobert on offense in terms of being a rim running big, but he can hit floaters and difficult contested layups under duress that Gobert just isn't converting or even bothering to attempt, plus he's a much better passer. You really don't know what you're talking about here, and will look foolish if he manages to stay healthy. Just like you look foolish with your Tatum sucks and Wemby isn't that great takes.

And Williams is averaging 23 pts per 36 if you think there is a team in the league Gobert is capable of doing that on, you're even stupider than I thought.


No dumbshit, I mixed up this thread with the other bumped Mark Williams thread but he clearly responds to your gas about the TS% by saying hes surprised youre sucking Williams D considering MW reminds him of Toody. http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?514538-Keep-an-eye-on-Mark-Williams-(Charlotte-Hornets)&p=14849941&viewfull=1#post14849941

Also Im not down on Tatum or Yama. You said Tatum is top 10 and Yama is the literal future GOAT.

Im not down on these PLAYERS, Im down on your intelligence. Youre a generic af fan repeating all the mainstream dogma. Ffs you said youd change your sexual orientation and sleep with transgenders to get Joe Biden's approval. Youre a pathetic useless worm, but again I have to stop talking to you because this is irresponsible of me. You are mentally handicapped and I have no business insulting you. This is the end of our dialogue.

[Im Still Ballin]

Williams has been doing things on offense recently that I don't think Rudy ever has. It's fair to say he is more fluid in the paint and has better dexterity, leading to superior touch and scoring range. And passing as RRR3 noted.

Just look at their career turnover rates:

Rudy: 14.9%
Mark: 9.7%

And assist rates:

Rudy: 6.7% (9.6% was highest mark)
Mark: 8.6% (18.2% this season)

And distance-based scoring percentages:

Rudy:
0-3 feet: 74.6% FG [78.6% of FGA]
3-10 feet: 33.8% FG [18.9% of FGA]
10-16 feet: 19.5% FG [1.3% of FGA]

Mark:
0-3 feet: 74.8% FG [64.5% of FGA]
3-10 feet: 40.2% FG [30.6% of FGA]
10-16 feet: 40.7% FG [4.3% of FGA]

and dunk rate:

Rudy: 41.7% of FGA are dunks
Mark: 30.5% of FGA are dunks

And scoring rate:

Rudy: 20.5 points per 100 (23.9 is highest)
Mark: 25.2 points per 100 (31.4 is highest!)

And free-throw shooting:

Rudy: 64.1% FT (69.0% is highest)
Mark: 73.0% FT (77.6% is highest)

[RRR3]

No dumbshit, I mixed up this thread with the other bumped Mark Williams thread but he clearly responds to your gas about the TS% by saying hes surprised youre sucking Williams D considering MW reminds him of Toody. http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?514538-Keep-an-eye-on-Mark-Williams-(Charlotte-Hornets)&p=14849941&viewfull=1#post14849941

Also Im not down on Tatum or Yama. You said Tatum is top 10 and Yama is the literal future GOAT.

Im not down on these PLAYERS, Im down on your intelligence. Youre a generic af fan repeating all the mainstream dogma. Ffs you said youd change your sexual orientation and sleep with transgenders to get Joe Biden's approval. Youre a pathetic useless worm, but again I have to stop talking to you because this is irresponsible of me. You are mentally handicapped and I have no business insulting you. This is the end of our dialogue.
Yeah, he said that about Williams when he was a rookie, are you not aware players can develop? And as much as I shit on Gobert, Williams certainly has a ways to go to even come close to his defensive impact. They're very different players who you only think are similar because you thought "rim running big" and assumed they're the exact same with strengths in the same areas.

[Neal Romer]

Williams has been doing things on offense recently that I don't think Rudy ever has. It's fair to say he is more fluid in the paint and has better dexterity, leading to superior touch and scoring range. And passing as RRR3 noted.

Just look at their career turnover rates:

Rudy: 14.9%
Mark: 9.7%

And assist rates:

Rudy: 6.7% (9.6% was highest mark)
Mark: 8.6% (18.2% this season)

And distance-based scoring percentages:

Rudy: 0-3 feet: 74.6% FG; 3-10 feet: 33.8% FG; 10-16 feet: 19.5% FG
Mark: 0-3 feet: 74.8% FG; 3-10 feet: 40.2% FG; 10-16 feet: 40.7% FG

Thats fair. My point isnt to suggest Williams is useless, just that the trade is terrible. I think they could have gotten similar value sometime before the start of next season without giving up their best shooter on a team that needs spacing. I doubt Mark Williams justifies that but lets see.

[RRR3]

Williams has been doing things on offense recently that I don't think Rudy ever has. It's fair to say he is more fluid in the paint and has better dexterity, leading to superior touch and scoring range. And passing as RRR3 noted.

Just look at their career turnover rates:

Rudy: 14.9%
Mark: 9.7%

And assist rates:

Rudy: 6.7% (9.6% was highest mark)
Mark: 8.6% (18.2% this season)

And distance-based scoring percentages:

Rudy: 0-3 feet: 74.6% FG; 3-10 feet: 33.8% FG [18.9% of offense]; 10-16 feet: 19.5% FG
Mark: 0-3 feet: 74.8% FG; 3-10 feet: 40.2% FG [30.6% of offense]; 10-16 feet: 40.7% FG
Yes exactly, he's so obsessed with disagreeing with me it's got him saying patently false things. I'm not saying he's better than Gobert, Gobert is still more impactful atm, but he has potential to be better than Gobert perhaps, and he's definitely much better on offense already. Check out the finishes at 0:35 and 1:41 in this video, Gobert simply isn't doing these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyLteLmE9kU I'm not even saying these are insanely impressive shots btw but it's Gobert we're talking about, I've seen Clint Capela create more difficult shots for himself than Gobert has tbqh and I'm not high on Capela as an offensive player.

[Neal Romer]

And I'll be straight up, I do have a predisposition to doubting anyone from the Hornets. Because the team always SUCKS, and so how can you tell me all these players are good??

Gordon Hayward was supposed to be a key addition to OKC a couple years ago because of whatever numbers he was doing in Charlotte at the time, and he was ASS with the Thunder. Wannabe mumble rapper Lamayo Balls is taking the most shots since WILT on a bunk ass single digit win team and he had more votes for the allstar game than Trae Hung thanks to casuals. People think Ball is a winner? **** no. Altho rrr3 probably does because he doesnt know anything.

The Hornets are the RRR3 of the NBA. Trash, junk, ineptitude personified. Since back in the Bobcat era when they were drafting ****ing Ray Felton, Shawn May, and Adam Morrison. And theyre still the same organization today. I hate the franchise because of how perpetually pathetic they allow themselves to be.

So yes, until proven otherwise, I have no reason to assume Mark Williams is gonna be reliable in a playoff situation against top centers in the bloodbath west. Regardless of what any metrics say about his game on a Tuesday night in January for the Charlotte Hornets.

[Im Still Ballin]

PJ Washington was a good addition to a playoff team (DAL) coming from Charlotte. He played much better with the Mavericks - an ideal situation for his game.

[Neal Romer]

PJ Washington was a good addition to a playoff team (DAL) coming from Charlotte. He played much better with the Mavericks - an ideal situation for his game.

Thats fair. I think Gafford was the bigger deal of the two of them in terms of last year's turnaround but I agree Washington ended up fitting serviceably. But the Mavs got Washington for Grant Williams. Not a rookie sharpshooter and a first round pick.

[Lakers Legend#32]

Lakers gonna make the league our bitches now.

[Im Still Ballin]

I agree with your general points of skepticism. But the potential upside is enormous. Was it worth it though? I don't know. But they need to immediately appease Luka if they want to resign him and he's already told Rob he wants to play with a rim-running center that catches lobs:



"After huddling with Luka Doncic after the trade, he impressed upon Lakers’ brass his desire to play with a lob threat, mobile big whose vertical spacing gives Doncic another option when making his reads, sources told ESPN."

Mark will be perfect on the offensive side of things. Defense maybe too. Has to stay healthy though.

[90sgoat]

Intredasting, now trade Lebron and you have a team.

[Im Still Ballin]

Here's what Mark has put up since coming off a minutes restriction:

- 13 games
- 30.7 minutes per game
- 19.4 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 topg
- 59.1% FG, 78.4% FT, 64.1% TS

[90sgoat]

Is he good at rim rolling?

Luka / Gabe
Reaves / Reddish
DFS / Rui
Lebron / Vanderbilt / Kleber
Williams / Kleber / Hayes

Is that something like their rotation now?

Should try to trade Vanderbilt perhaps.

[Neal Romer]

I agree with your general points of skepticism. But the potential upside is enormous. Was it worth it though? I don't know. But they need to immediately appease Luka if they want to resign him and he's already told Rob he wants to play with a rim-running center that catches lobs:



Mark will be perfect on the offensive side of things. Defense maybe too. Has to stay healthy though.


Okay. I just remember seeing some highlights of his opponents in the last few days where his defense was so bizarrely out of position it actually stuck in my mind. Like I had to rewind it just to see if he was intentionally throwing the play, it was so confusing. So to see the headline tonight that the Lakers gave up Knecht and a first for this guy, I was a little bit shocked. But it's a clean slate now. We'll see how it goes.

[Im Still Ballin]

https://i.ibb.co/7tMzcp1g/tivmskr9xghe1.webp

[bluechox2]

This is literally the other half of the package that rob managed to sweet talk the Mavs to back out of accepting for Luka

[BarberSchool]

Mark Williams and his 9’9” standing reach to the Lakers?

Luka will turn him into lively 2.1

[BarberSchool]

Williams has been doing things on offense recently that I don't think Rudy ever has. It's fair to say he is more fluid in the paint and has better dexterity, leading to superior touch and scoring range. And passing as RRR3 noted.

Just look at their career turnover rates:

Rudy: 14.9%
Mark: 9.7%

And assist rates:

Rudy: 6.7% (9.6% was highest mark)
Mark: 8.6% (18.2% this season)

And distance-based scoring percentages:

Rudy:
0-3 feet: 74.6% FG [78.6% of FGA]
3-10 feet: 33.8% FG [18.9% of FGA]
10-16 feet: 19.5% FG [1.3% of FGA]

Mark:
0-3 feet: 74.8% FG [64.5% of FGA]
3-10 feet: 40.2% FG [30.6% of FGA]
10-16 feet: 40.7% FG [4.3% of FGA]

and dunk rate:

Rudy: 41.7% of FGA are dunks
Mark: 30.5% of FGA are dunks

And scoring rate:

Rudy: 20.5 points per 100 (23.9 is highest)
Mark: 25.2 points per 100 (31.4 is highest!)

And free-throw shooting:

Rudy: 64.1% FT (69.0% is highest)
Mark: 73.0% FT (77.6% is highest)Excellent comparison.
Dude has Rudy’s length, but with far more hand-eye-coordination it seems.

[Im Still Ballin]

Some old Reddit threads praising rookie Mark William's defense:

https://old.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/11kff1i/since_rookie_mark_williams_became_the_charlotte/
https://old.reddit.com/r/nbadiscussion/comments/12n2wr9/whos_the_better_defender_mark_williams_or_walker/


Mark Williams’ defensive impact: The case for Mark Williams is the ridicilous ammount of impact he’s had for the Charlotte Hornets. Before Mark Williams joined the Charlotte Hornets rotation (a little under 50 games ago) the Hornets were 27th in defensive rating, since he joined they’ve been 13th. Before Mark Williams became the Hornets starter (26 games ago) they were 25th in defensive rating and since he bacame their starter they’ve been 7th. During the last 24 games the Charlotte Hornets managed to have a .500 record and during this stretch they were 2nd best defense in the league when Mark played and 21st in the 8 games he didn’t play. There is no other player who’s team jumps from one of the best defenses in the league when he plays to one of the worst when he doesn’t play as consistently.

[GOBB]

I guess cam reddish will never find his way in the league. Solid move

[BarberSchool]

Williams doesn’t yet move with any force, he moves gently and gingerly. Not physically stronger than Lively, much weaker than Gafford. But much longer than either. Most of Williams plentiful offensive rebounds don’t come from strength or grappling for position, they come from length.

Lively is 7’1” with a 9’4” standing reach. Gafford is 6’10.25” with a 9’2” standing reach.

Mark Williams is 7’2” with a 9’9” standing reach. Lobs and high lead passes on the break will be even easier with a higher window for Luka and LeBron to throw.

Mavs entire organization is in total disarray, morale is destroyed. Gafford is pissed about not being extended, so Lakers should look into signing him this off season. And signing LA-native Tyson Chandler as a player development specialist for Mark Illiams, Jaxson Hayes, and Daniel Gafford.

[beasted]

Here's what Mark has put up since coming off a minutes restriction:

- 13 games
- 30.7 minutes per game
- 19.4 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 topg
- 59.1% FG, 78.4% FT, 64.1% TS

You might want to check what stats Rozier put up over 30 games last year with Charlotte and then compare what he's done with Miami over the last year on a winning team.

Empty stats are a thing. Lakers already saw it with Christian Wood.

[1987_Lakers]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzA4uD_DhIw

We are back boys!!

[rawimpact]

Honestly have no clue who Mark Williams is but it's refreshing to see a young athletic big on the Lakers. Dalton looked promising but with Luka going and getting a young center with some more experience was the right choice IMO. Not pleased they had to give up a 1st round pick though... it is what it is.

So far Rob Pelinka is doing a damn good job.

[ILLsmak]

Youre as stupid as you are ugly.

yea the general rule is if you have a rookie who can get you 40, you see where that goes for at least a couple years haha. Dude isn't just wet; he's cold blooded. Who knows what the right answer is, but I wouldn't have traded dude for an athletic center. In general, Dukies are mentally soft because they had such an easy college career due to massive ref help.

Seems like he plays in about half of the games, too. We'll see how that works out for them haha.

People will always hate on 4 year unathletic players, tho. They think they are capped out. Everyone is always chasing that 'potential.' They said they needed a center, tho, but ehhh... I think they could have legit gotten more for what they gave up.

-Smak

[tpols]

Here's what Mark has put up since coming off a minutes restriction:

- 13 games
- 30.7 minutes per game
- 19.4 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 topg
- 59.1% FG, 78.4% FT, 64.1% TS


Didn't realize this guy was that good. He looks like a better version of Gafford. Lakers title odds are soaring right now.

[Axe]

Is it true that this trade has been rescinded?

[Neal Romer]

Is it true that this trade has been rescinded?


:lebronamazed:

Shams has spoken.

[Neal Romer]

I really think the Lakers are better off.

Williams is a big injury question mark and the Lakers need shooters around their stars as much as they need a big.

Jaxson Hayes has been converting lobs the last few games, I'm sure there cant be that big of a drop off from Mark Williams to him. It's not like there's any skill involved, as long as youre tall you can basically do the job.

[Hey Yo]

The trade between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers for Mark Williams has been rescinded, according to the Lakers.

The Lakers say the trade was rescinded because of the Hornets' failure to satisfy a condition of the trade.

[StrongLurk]

I really think the Lakers are better off.

Williams is a big injury question mark and the Lakers need shooters around their stars as much as they need a big.

Jaxson Hayes has been converting lobs the last few games, I'm sure there cant be that big of a drop off from Mark Williams to him. It's not like there's any skill involved, as long as youre tall you can basically do the job.

Bruh, there is a big difference between Hayes and Williams. Hayes will get destroyed in any playoff series.

[Neal Romer]

Bruh, there is a big difference between Hayes and Williams. Hayes will get destroyed in any playoff series.

Oh right, the playoffs. Mark Williams' career proving ground :rolleyes:

[StrongLurk]

Oh right, the playoffs. Mark Williams' career proving ground :rolleyes:

And Hayes has proved himself when??? Williams is the better player so far this year, but it doesnt matter anyways since he's back on the Hornets.

[GOBB]

Sounds like a failed physical by Mark

[Meticode]

Jaxson Hayes is fist pumping right now.

[Neal Romer]

It also makes sense now that the Hornets were the ones to contact LAL and offer up Williams.

They thought they slick they not slick :lol

[Im Still Ballin]

Montoya, por favor!

:(

[Meticode]

It also makes sense now that the Hornets were the ones to contact LAL and offer up Williams.

They thought they slick they not slick :lol
Source? All the analysts like Windhorst and Sham's said the Lakers contacted the Hornets and made them the off and the Hornets graciously said yes.

[beasted]

I think it was partial buyer's remorse. They probably realized he's not as athletic and the injury history was for real reasons. If you give up an unprotected pick for him, you need to be certain you're a playoff team down the line. But he's not the type of player that can help to solidify that, even if Luka is there.

[ImKobe]

Sounds like a failed physical by Mark

Yeah, the Hornets were hiding something and trying to get the most out of the deal. I believe I saw a Pelinka quote where he was confident about the guy's long-term health, given the history of his injuries that were reported.

Once they did a physical more issues came up.

[coin24]

So apart from buyouts or old scrubs the lakers don’t have many options for a C:lol

This will kill them in the playoffs

[StickyWice]

Why no sign Dwight Howard? He sign for penny

[Neal Romer]

Alright, here we go again.

Looks like LeCenter gonna have to put on his cape.....

[Phoenix]

I wonder if Knecht will view this as being a pawn piece in a failed trade and look to sign elsewhere when his contract ends.

[Real Men Wear Green]

I wonder if Knecht will view this as being a pawn piece in a failed trade and look to sign elsewhere when his contract ends.
I have no insight into his personality but the lesson for him to take from this is that there's little loyalty and NBA is a business. He's not the level of star where everyone will be offering the max and he can reject the Lakers out of spite. But any kind of home team discount is out the window.

[Phoenix]

I have no insight into his personality but the lesson for him to take from this is that there's little loyalty and NBA is a business. He's not the level of star where everyone will be offering the max and he can reject the Lakers out of spite. But any kind of home team discount is out the window.

I don't either, it was a random thought upon hearing that the trade didn't go through. I'm just curious as to whether he will internalize it or just view it as 'part of the business'. He's not projected as some franchise cornerstone but he could go on to have a solid career.

[Neal Romer]

I wonder if Knecht will view this as being a pawn piece in a failed trade and look to sign elsewhere when his contract ends.

I doubt hes naive enough to believe itd be any different somewhere else. It's not like any other team he signs with wouldnt turn around and do the same if they thought there was an opportunity to get better.

[tontoz]

I wonder if Knecht will view this as being a pawn piece in a failed trade and look to sign elsewhere when his contract ends.

Since this is a rookie contract he will be a restricted free agent so the Lakers can match any offer.

[Phoenix]

I doubt hes naive enough to believe itd be any different somewhere else. It's not like any other team he signs with wouldnt turn around and do the same if they thought there was an opportunity to get better.

Maybe, but there's one thing to be traded and then keep it moving. It's another to be traded, and then wind up back with the team who was willing to offload you. Being a rookie et all, he just got a crash course in NBA business.

[90sgoat]

They have Kleber and can now do the lineup:

Luka
Reaves
Knecht
Lebron
Kleber

[sdot_thadon]

They have Kleber and can now do the lineup:

Luka
Reaves
Knecht
Lebron
Kleber

And give up 75 points a quarter lol.

[90sgoat]

And give up 75 points a quarter lol.

This is pretty much the Mavs team under Carlisle, if they start DFS.

They'll score a ton of points, but yeah, they'll give up many as well.

[tpols]

So apart from buyouts or old scrubs the lakers don’t have many options for a C:lol

This will kill them in the playoffs

They're going to get their shit pushed in by Jokic if they run into him. OKC doesnt really have the big man rotation to punish them inside.

[Neal Romer]

They're going to get their shit pushed in by Jokic if they run into him. OKC doesnt really have the big man rotation to punish them inside.


Okay. That already happened twice when they had Anthony Davis.

Jokic destroyed Toody in the playoffs as well, in a series the Nuggets should have won if not for some careless play/turnovers early in the series (including Jokic).

So it's not like theres anyone out there thats just gonna neutralize Joker. In fact I recently saw Jokic turn Mark Williams himself into a turnstile. Williams was getting so out of position it was shocking.

They might even be better off with a stouter guy with more leverage like Hayes anyway, the way KAT was at least more effective than Toody.

[tpols]

Okay. That already happened twice when they had Anthony Davis.

Jokic destroyed Toody in the playoffs as well, in a series the Nuggets should have won if not for some careless play/turnovers early in the series (including Jokic).

So it's not like theres anyone out there thats just gonna neutralize Joker.

Yea but would you really want it to get worse? AD wasn't even full time defender on Jokic, they used him as rim protection and doubling Jokic in the paint. Now they have absolutely nobody to curtail a constant paint assault.

[90sgoat]

Jokic definitely destroyed Kleber.

[Neal Romer]

Yea but would you really want it to get worse? AD wasn't even full time defender on Jokic, they used him as rim protection and doubling Jokic in the paint. Now they have absolutely nobody to curtail a constant paint assault.


Well yeah I agree it's not ideal, and the Nuggets would be a rough matchup for them for that reason. Im just saying it didnt work anyway with much more celebrated defensive centers. But youre right AD did patrol the paint in general in addition to guarding Joker and Hayes probably cant replicate that. But it was gonna be tough no matter who they have in there.

[Neal Romer]

Jokic definitely destroyed Kleber.

It's quite surprising and statistically improbable that Joker and Luka have yet to face each other in a playoff series, considering their presence as playoff fixtures the last five years.

If youre the Lakers you obviously hope to keep that going this year but as a fan itd be great to see.

[90sgoat]

It's quite surprising and statistically improbable that Joker and Luka have yet to face each other in a playoff series, considering their presence as playoff fixtures the last five years.

If youre the Lakers you obviously hope to keep that going this year but as a fan itd be great to see.

Yeah

[Phoenix]

It's quite surprising and statistically improbable that Joker and Luka have yet to face each other in a playoff series, considering their presence as playoff fixtures the last five years.

If you're the Lakers you obviously hope to keep that going this year but as a fan itd be great to see.

I always found it interesting that Lebron and Wade spent 16 years in the same conference and never met in the playoffs( excluding the four seasons they played together, obviously).

[BarberSchool]

Why no sign Dwight Howard? He sign for penny

Because:

1. he is literally mentally retarded. Room temp IQ. Essentially a 2nd or 3rd grader in a 6’9” body.

2. How old is he now ? That old, that’s how old he is.

3. He’s not exactly someone who benefits a high IQ locker room atmosphere. He is a retarded clown.

JAVALE MCGEE might not be much brighter, but he isn’t actively disruptive, gets along well with Luka, and is much taller and longer than Dwight. Go to the Caribbean & pull McGee off whatever butter pecan rican pu$$y he’s in RN.

[beasted]

I always found it interesting that Lebron and Wade spent 16 years in the same conference and never met in the playoffs( excluding the four seasons they played together, obviously).

Never in franchise history either even until today.

[Im Still Ballin]

This better not end up being a Tyson Chandler OKC type of failed trade.

[ShawkFactory]

Because:

1. he is literally mentally retarded. Room temp IQ. Essentially a 2nd or 3rd grader in a 6’9” body.

2. How old is he now ? That old, that’s how old he is.

3. He’s not exactly someone who benefits a high IQ locker room atmosphere. He is a retarded clown.

JAVALE MCGEE might not be much brighter, but he isn’t actively disruptive, gets along well with Luka, and is much taller and longer than Dwight. Go to the Caribbean & pull McGee off whatever butter pecan rican pu$$y he’s in RN.

:lol

I think him being almost 40 and retired from the NBA for a few years now might have a little more to do with it.

34-year-old Dwight would be a huge addition to this team.

[3ba11]

:lol

I think him being almost 40 and retired from the NBA for a few years now might have a little more to do with it.

34-year-old Dwight would be a huge addition to this team.


Curry and MJ had no problem winning with Zaza and Longley (nobodies), so why isn't Jaxon Hayes enough for Luka (and Lebron)?

Obviously, the ball-domination of Luka and Lebron prevents the dynasty fit that other duos had, so they still need studs at center instead of bums like the superior chemistry of Curry and MJ.

[ShawkFactory]

Curry and MJ had no problem winning with Zaza and Longley (nobodies), so why isn't Jaxon Hayes enough for Luka (and Lebron)?

Obviously, the ball-domination of Luka and Lebron prevents the dynasty fit that other duos had, so they still need studs at center instead of bums like the superior chemistry of Curry and MJ.

I don't know that Jaxson Hayes is or isn't enough. Luka and Lebron haven't played a game together.

I was just being a normal person and at the trade deadline talking about hypothetically what could make the team better. A good rebounder could help now. It's kind of like the NFL where the run game is coming back. Small ball is on the outs.

[GOBB]

Because:

1. he is literally mentally retarded. Room temp IQ. Essentially a 2nd or 3rd grader in a 6’9” body.

2. How old is he now ? That old, that’s how old he is.

3. He’s not exactly someone who benefits a high IQ locker room atmosphere. He is a retarded clown.

JAVALE MCGEE might not be much brighter, but he isn’t actively disruptive, gets along well with Luka, and is much taller and longer than Dwight. Go to the Caribbean & pull McGee off whatever butter pecan rican pu$$y he’s in RN.

The Dwight Howard hate is wild. Crazy takes by you. There’s no center on the team doing any better than when Dwight last wore a Lakers uniform. He was like 36 then and you got guys over a decade younger not doing much better.

[GOBB]

:lol

I think him being almost 40 and retired from the NBA for a few years now might have a little more to do with it.

34-year-old Dwight would be a huge addition to this team.

He didn’t retire because he was done playing basketball. It’s because nba teams weren’t offering him deals. So his current age is kind of irrelevant to use when why he’s no longer in the NBA. He’s said out his mouth on many podcasts he wants to play in the NBA still but no one is calling.

If anything NBA teams seem players in a box. And once that happens they refuse to take you out of it.

[ILLsmak]

He didn’t retire because he was done playing basketball. It’s because nba teams weren’t offering him deals. So his current age is kind of irrelevant to use when why he’s no longer in the NBA. He’s said out his mouth on many podcasts he wants to play in the NBA still but no one is calling.

If anything NBA teams seem players in a box. And once that happens they refuse to take you out of it.

You get owned by a 16 year old girl and your career is effectively over.

-Smak

[coin24]

Dwert was washed in his last stint as a laker.. why tf would they sign him at 40 now?:lol

Theis or Mo Bamba is the only real C they can grab on the cheap that’s available. Neither are great obviously

[GOBB]

You get owned by a 16 year old girl and your career is effectively over.

-Smak

Prove it. Don’t put bogus stories out there as truth

[GOBB]

Dwert was washed in his last stint as a laker.. why tf would they sign him at 40 now?:lol

Theis or Mo Bamba is the only real C they can grab on the cheap that’s available. Neither are great obviously

He’s the only one who guarded Jokic better than any center you have had since. But enjoy the the tuna cans you keep name dropping. Becuz th3y R yung dood

[Phoenix]

I wonder if Knecht will view this as being a pawn piece in a failed trade and look to sign elsewhere when his contract ends.

https://athlonsports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/los-angeles-lakers-luka-doncic-trade-debut-dalton-knecht-criticized

"Knecht, the Lakers' first-round pick this past offseason, didn't play against the Jazz, and he was spotted looking more than a bit checked out at times during the game."

So I'm saying.......... gotta be weird for him, especially being a rookie and having the business side of things hit him like a sledgehammer. Maybe it's just fresh and time will heal but I wouldn't be surprised if dude lost some motivation.

[ILLsmak]

Prove it. Don’t put bogus stories out there as truth

Doesn't even mean it happened. He got owned by a 16 year old haha. The proof is in the result, him slowly fading away. I think even the gay stuff is secondary to that.

-Smak

[Lakers Legend#32]

I'm sure Dalton is trying to process all of this.

[Axe]

Just keep knecht for now. It's surreal to include him on a trade while he's still in his rookie season.

[Hey Yo]

https://athlonsports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/los-angeles-lakers-luka-doncic-trade-debut-dalton-knecht-criticized

"Knecht, the Lakers' first-round pick this past offseason, didn't play against the Jazz, and he was spotted looking more than a bit checked out at times during the game."

So I'm saying.......... gotta be weird for him, especially being a rookie and having the business side of things hit him like a sledgehammer. Maybe it's just fresh and time will heal but I wouldn't be surprised if dude lost some motivation.

"The very next day, Knecht was on a plane to Charlotte to meet with his new coaches and teammates. He then accompanied the Hornets to Detroit ahead of their game against the Pistons on Feb. 9, when he expected to make his debut in teal and purple. Instead, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka called and told him the deal was off after Williams failed his physical. Knecht then had to jump on another flight back to Los Angeles, where he rejoined the Lakers.

Rob called me and said, 'You're coming back,'" Knecht said. "I was just excited to go out there and hoop, no matter where I was going. I just want to go hoop. I told that to [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] and Rob. I get it's a business, so at the end of the day, I told them, 'Let's just go play basketball.'"

I thought his spirit was good," Redick said. "He played well. We're not going to talk about it anymore. We've talked about it. He's in a good spot. We're good."

Knecht, for his part, said he hopes to remain in Los Angeles and will control what he can control. "Whatever happens, happens," he said. "I'm just going to compete hard wherever I go."

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-dalton-knecht-says-rescinded-trade-and-return-to-los-angeles-felt-like-a-movie/

[rawimpact]

Kid got a reality check... NBA is a business and assets can be exchanged. Hopefully his experience helps him grow vs playing a victim and making demands like Williams from what it's sounding like.

[BarberSchool]

Knecht reminds me of a taller, stronger Pat Connaughton, but instead of a 44” combine vertical and MLB-level fastball/slider/curve to fall back on when he gets too old for the NBA…. Knecht has a quasi-Kyle Korver laser. Can shoot em moving left/right off screens, off the dribble … only useful 3-ball I haven’t seen him hit, are a fading step back or a wide side step 3-ball.

Lakers fans should thank those doctors for saving the squad years of a chronically injured lob threat / rim protector, but also for bringing back a real solid prospect.

Any rookie coming off the bench for a playoff team, who has a 38pt game, and a 35pt game, has big potential. That’s a lot different than a rookie on a bad team, starting, getting those numbers on chucker volume.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Dwight Howard is a victim of the fact that the less you can contribute the less a team will put up with. For whatever reason it barely gets discussed but he was accused of sexual assault by a man. The suit was dismissed but the damage had been done and along with his son's mother talking trash he's been outed and any team that brings him in gets a bunch of uncomfortable attention. If he was 20-10 DPoY prime he would still be in a team getting the max. But 15 mpg of 6 foul basketball isn't worth forcing Lebron James to answer questions about whether or not he thinks his teammate would molest the bellhop.

If he's just gay and not a rapist it's unfair but either way that's the world we live in. I would have to feel sure about that championship to put my players through all of that nonsense.

[warriorfan]

Dwight Howard is a victim of the fact that the less you can contribute the less a team will put up with. For whatever reason it barely gets discussed but he was accused of sexual assault by a man. The suit was dismissed but the damage had been done and along with his son's mother talking trash he's been outed and any team that brings him in gets a bunch of uncomfortable attention. If he was 20-10 DPoY prime he would still be in a team getting the max. But 15 mpg of 6 foul basketball isn't worth forcing Lebron James to answer questions about whether or not he thinks his teammate would molest the bellhop.

If he's just gay and not a rapist it's unfair but either way that's the world we live in. I would have to feel sure about that championship to put my players through all of that nonsense.

You have done a good job at paving the way and normalizing homosexuality so I don’t think anyone even cares anymore