Lakers fans take to social media in shock after Dalton Knecht-Mark Williams swap
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The Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. The return for the Hornets was Dalton Knecht, an unprotected first-round pick in 2031, a pick swap in 2030, and Cameron Reddish.
After adding Luka Doncic in the infamous blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers have been widely rumored to be in search of additional help. Their 29-19 record has them fifth in the Western Conference, and Doncic makes a second potential title run with James a true possibility.
But most pundits, analysts, and fans certainly did not predict that Williams would be the center that the Lakers acquired.
Automatic NBA immediately acknowledged that the Lakers had filled their position of need, saying they βgot their big.β
lakers got their big
β Automatic (@automaticnba) February 6, 2025
Lakers fan Mano Magic was quite literally at a loss for words, sharing a visceral reaction to the deal:
WTTFTFTF T
β 4π ππππ’π₯ππ€π£ ππππ (@MANOMAGlC) February 6, 2025
Alex Golden was quick to point out that while Williams does not have a lack of ability, he has struggled with availability. Williams has played 84 of the 212 games the Hornets have played since drafting him.
In just 3 seasons, Mark Williams has only played in a total of 84 games.
3 ankle injuries from 2022-2023
2 thumb injuries in 2023 that led to surgery
1 back injury in 2023
2 foot injuries in 2024
1 foot injury in 2025β Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) February 6, 2025
This LA fan shared a measured take on the transaction, wishing Knecht well but acknowledging the Lakers really did need a big man.
I like Dalton too smh but we needed a big. I wish all the success to Dalton Knect. i hope he has a great NBA career, but this is what im talking about, Mark William? Let's go!!!.
β (@XKingxGrizzlyX7) February 6, 2025
Lakers On X wrote that their superstar asked for a center and Los Angeles delivered them one. They believe it proves that Doncic and James want to win together this year:
Nuestra superestrella pidiΓ³ un Centro y los Lakers se lo dieron, si Luka Doncic y LeBron quieren ganar todo
β Lakers On π (@LakersOnX) February 6, 2025
And Whristan, a Mavericks fan who converted to purple and gold after the Doncic trade, was unafraid to show support:
W DEMON ROB, WE GOING TO THE CHIP
β whristan (@whristan1) February 6, 2025
Whether or not Williams helps the Lakers make a deep run into the playoffs remains to be seen. Heβll need to overcome his defensive struggles and work to stay healthy and available on the court. But what the NBA knows now is that the Lakers are certainly trying to make a run at a ring, and this move certainly helps that pursuit.
The post Lakers fans take to social media in shock after Dalton Knecht-Mark Williams swap appeared first on ClutchPoints.
