After Failed Mark Williams Trade, What’s Next for the Lakers’ Big-Man Plans?
The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of a big man has been one of the most talked-about storylines this season. After a series of rumors, the Lakers’ interest in Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams seemed like a logical solution to their ongoing struggles in the paint. However, with the failed trade to bring in the promising young center, the Lakers are now left to reassess their plans for bolstering their frontcourt.
The Mark Williams Pursuit
The Lakers have long been in the market for a reliable, young center, and Mark Williams appeared to be the perfect fit. The 21-year-old shot-blocking specialist had shown flashes of potential as a rim protector and rebounder for the Hornets, an area where the Lakers have struggled since losing players like Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee during the last few seasons. Adding a player like Williams would have solidified their interior defense and offered them a long-term solution in the center position.
However, as the trade deadline approached, the deal to bring in Williams fell through, leaving the Lakers without that much-needed boost in the frontcourt. Now, the question is: what’s next for the Lakers’ big-man plans?
Revisiting the Trade Market
Even though the Williams deal didn’t materialize, the Lakers’ front office will likely continue exploring the trade market. The franchise has been linked to several big men over the years, including names like Jakob Poeltl, Myles Turner, and even veteran players like Brook Lopez, who could provide both scoring and defensive versatility in the post.
Despite their depth at the forward position, the Lakers still need an upgrade at center, especially with their playoff aspirations in mind. The team will likely turn their attention to players who could provide both rim protection and rebounding, with a side of pick-and-roll proficiency. It’s possible the Lakers could target a player whose value has dropped this season, or even consider packaging future assets to acquire a high-profile center.
Free-Agent Options
If the trade market doesn’t deliver, the Lakers could look to free agency to add a big man to their roster. The buyout market often presents some intriguing options as teams who are out of the playoff hunt look to offload players who might fit better with a contender.
Veterans like DeMarcus Cousins or even Hassan Whiteside, while not the long-term solution the Lakers may be seeking, could provide valuable depth. For the Lakers, it’s not necessarily about landing the best center on the market, but about finding someone who complements their core. Players with a defensive-minded approach who don’t need the ball to make an impact would be ideal for a team already built around LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a blossoming Austin Reaves.
Internal Development
The Lakers also have the option of developing their current roster to make up for the loss of Williams and other potential big man targets. Anthony Davis has already shown his ability to play both power forward and center, but with Davis’ injury history and need for rest, having a capable big man behind him is essential.
Additionally, backup centers like Thomas Bryant and Mo Bamba could become more prominent in the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation. Bryant, in particular, has been effective when called upon, and he has the offensive skills to stretch the floor. If the Lakers can unlock the potential in Bamba, they could get a defensive-minded big who can space the floor.
Long-Term Outlook
The failed pursuit of Mark Williams might have been a short-term setback, but it hasn’t completely derailed the Lakers’ future plans. The front office will likely turn their attention to the 2025 offseason when free agents like Nikola Vucevic and Clint Capela could become available. The Lakers have maintained a relatively flexible salary cap, which allows them to target these types of players if the right deal materializes.
In the meantime, the focus will shift to maximizing the current roster and looking for marginal improvements. Whether through trade, the buyout market, or internal development, the Lakers’ frontcourt remains a critical piece of the puzzle as they continue their quest for another NBA title.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ big-man plans may have been delayed, but with the right strategy, they can still solidify the center position and put themselves in a better position to contend for the championship.
