The Los Angeles Lakers’ current roster is undeniably reshaped following the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade. Right after the shocking trade, they acquired the 7-foot center Mark Williams. Now that they have enough players to position across the positions, their starting five would be an exciting mix.
The Lakers will have an enticing roster filled with superstars. While LeBron James will be the small forward, Luka Doncic will stand as the exciting point guard. Together, they will set the stage for one of the most thrilling duos in recent NBA history. Austin Reaves, who has shown promise as a reliable shooting guard, is likely to round out the backcourt. Dorian Finney-Smith provides defensive grit in the power-forward position.
Let’s have a look at the Los Angeles Lakers potential starting five after Luka Doncic and Mark Williams trade:
- PG: Luka Doncic
- SG: Austin Reaves
- PF: Rui Hachimura
- SF: LeBron James
- C: Mark Williams
Lakers projected starting 5:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 6, 2025
Luka Doncic
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Mark Williams
Give me one reason why this squad won’t win it all… pic.twitter.com/tSI4fq6Ngg
However, Anthony Davis’s departure will make a noticeable shift in the team’s structure. With Davis traded, the Lakers immediately needed a strong presence in the paint. The addition of Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets comes at a critical time, as he can effectively fill this gap.
Lakers Are Complimenting Luka Doncic’s Playing Style
When the Lakers dealt Anthony Davis for Doncic, they were damn serious. And now that the Slovenian star is at the helm, they are wasting no time in complimenting his playing style. After the surprising trade that brought Luka on board, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka acted swiftly to fill the void left by Anthony Davis.
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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. pic.twitter.com/QGUwETssGd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
By acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers provided Luka with a vertical lob threat that he specifically requested. This strategic addition changes the team’s dynamics and is closer to Doncic’s preferred play style.
While the excitement around Williams is real, the decision to part ways with rookie Dalton Knecht was difficult for the Lakers. Knecht had generated a lot of buzz with his sharpshooting ability and potential as a three-point threat. However, Daivs’ injury outweighed the emotional attachment to Knecht and saw him shipped.
