The Los Angeles Lakers made waves late in the evening, pulling off a major trade to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. The move gives the Lakers something they’ve desperately needed—an athletic, rim-protecting big man who can elevate their defense and serve as a high-energy presence in the paint.
Williams’ arrival in LA marks a bold push for a championship this season while also setting the foundation for the future. However, it’s not without risk, given his injury history. So, was this a smart move for the Lakers? Let’s break it all down.
Who is Mark Williams? Age, Background & Family
At 22 years old, Mark Oluwafemi Williams is still in the early stages of his NBA career. Born on December 16, 2001, in Norfolk, Virginia, Williams comes from a family of athletes. His sister, Elizabeth Williams, is a WNBA player for the Chicago Sky, and their athletic genes clearly run strong.
Williams played his college ball at Duke University, where he quickly established himself as one of the nation’s top shot-blockers and interior scorers. The Hornets selected him 15th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, and despite flashes of brilliance, injuries have limited his availability over the years.
A Game-Changer on the Court
When healthy, Williams has been phenomenal for the Hornets. Over his last full season, he’s averaged 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game—solid numbers for a young center still developing his game.
Williams gives the Lakers something they lacked—a true rim protector and lob threat. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić orchestrating the offense, Williams will thrive as a pick-and-roll finisher, catching lobs and cleaning up second-chance points.
Defensively, he brings a massive wingspan and strong instincts that can help anchor the Lakers in the paint. With Anthony Davis often shifting to power forward, Williams can lighten the defensive load and give LA a more balanced frontcourt.
The Injury Concerns: A Gamble for the Lakers?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—injuries. Williams has only played in 84 out of a possible 212 games during his time with Charlotte. That’s just 39.6% availability—a concerning stat for any team investing heavily in him.
However, sources told ESPN that the Lakers are confident in his medicals. His previous back and foot issues never required surgery, meaning there’s optimism he can stay on the court with proper conditioning and load management.
What the Lakers Gave Up in the Trade
To land Williams, Los Angeles sent a serious package to Charlotte:
- Multiple future draft picks
- Dalton Knecht (rookie sharpshooter)
- Cam Reddish (wing depth piece)
It’s a steep price, but the Lakers clearly believe Williams can be a long-term building block alongside Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis once LeBron eventually retires.
Mark Williams’ Net Worth (Updated 2025)
Despite being a young player, Mark Williams has already built an impressive financial portfolio. His estimated net worth as of 2025 is around $8 million. This comes from his NBA salary and endorsement deals.
He’s currently playing under a four-year, $18.6 million rookie contract, but with this trade, expect him to negotiate a much larger extension in the near future if he stays healthy and performs well.
Did the Lakers Win This Trade?
Only time will tell, but on paper, this looks like a strong move for the Lakers. If Williams stays healthy, he could be the missing defensive anchor this team needs to make a deep playoff run.
With LeBron, Luka, and Davis leading the charge, adding a young, athletic big like Williams could be the final puzzle piece to bring another championship to Los Angeles.
For now, Lakers fans can only hope that this gamble pays off.
