The Los Angeles Lakers ’ early playoff exit has raised questions about their roster construction, particularly their lack of size. After a disappointing first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the front office may revisit a failed trade deadline move to address their biggest weakness.
(Disclaimer: The information and analysis presented in this article are based on current speculations. While the details are sourced from credible insights, it’s important to note that these are not confirmed moves or official statements. Readers are encouraged to take this analysis with a grain of salt and stay tuned for official updates as the offseason unfolds.)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Playoff Struggles Highlight Need for Size
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the playoffs as one of the title favorites, boasting a star duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. However, their lack of interior presence proved costly against a bigger Timberwolves squad featuring Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid.
- Coach JJ Redick relied heavily on small-ball lineups, limiting Jaxson Hayes’ minutes despite his size advantage.
- The Lakers were outrebounded and struggled defensively in the paint.
- Anthony Davis’ departure in the Doncic trade left a glaring hole at center.
As Ivan White of Sporting News noted in the original article, "One of the key issues in the Lakers’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves was their lack of size."
Failed Trade Deadline Move With Mark Williams Could Be Revisited
At the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers were close to acquiring Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams—a move reportedly requested by Doncic himself. However, the deal fell through after concerns arose from Williams’ physical.
Why Mark Williams Fits the Los Angeles Lakers’ Needs
Strengths
Concerns
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Doncic specifically wanted Williams as his preferred pick-and-roll partner. Given Doncic’s struggles without a reliable screener, the Lakers may need to take another look at the deal.
Should the Lakers Pursue Mark Williams Again?
With an early offseason start, Rob Pelinka has time to reassess the roster. Mark Williams’ skill set directly addresses the Lakers’ weaknesses:
1. Interior Defense – Provides a much-needed presence against elite big men.
2. Pick-and-Roll Chemistry – Enhances Doncic’s playmaking with a reliable lob threat.
3. Rebounding – Helps shore up one of the Lakers’ biggest playoff flaws.
However, his health remains a major question. If the Lakers can negotiate favorable terms—such as protections in the trade or a reduced price—Williams could be the missing piece to elevate them back into title contention.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to bag $22,282,691 Dallas Mavericks center to bolster squad around Luka Doncic and LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers’ early exit exposed their lack of size, making a reliable center a top priority. Revisiting the Mark Williams trade could be the best path forward, assuming his medicals improve. As Doncic’s preferred target, Williams might just be the solution Los Angeles needs to bounce back stronger next season.
(Disclaimer: The information and analysis presented in this article are based on current speculations. While the details are sourced from credible insights, it’s important to note that these are not confirmed moves or official statements. Readers are encouraged to take this analysis with a grain of salt and stay tuned for official updates as the offseason unfolds.)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Playoff Struggles Highlight Need for Size
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the playoffs as one of the title favorites, boasting a star duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. However, their lack of interior presence proved costly against a bigger Timberwolves squad featuring Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid.
- Coach JJ Redick relied heavily on small-ball lineups, limiting Jaxson Hayes’ minutes despite his size advantage.
- The Lakers were outrebounded and struggled defensively in the paint.
- Anthony Davis’ departure in the Doncic trade left a glaring hole at center.
As Ivan White of Sporting News noted in the original article, "One of the key issues in the Lakers’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves was their lack of size."
Failed Trade Deadline Move With Mark Williams Could Be Revisited
At the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers were close to acquiring Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams—a move reportedly requested by Doncic himself. However, the deal fell through after concerns arose from Williams’ physical.
Why Mark Williams Fits the Los Angeles Lakers’ Needs
Strengths
Concerns
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Doncic specifically wanted Williams as his preferred pick-and-roll partner. Given Doncic’s struggles without a reliable screener, the Lakers may need to take another look at the deal.
Should the Lakers Pursue Mark Williams Again?
With an early offseason start, Rob Pelinka has time to reassess the roster. Mark Williams’ skill set directly addresses the Lakers’ weaknesses:
1. Interior Defense – Provides a much-needed presence against elite big men.
2. Pick-and-Roll Chemistry – Enhances Doncic’s playmaking with a reliable lob threat.
3. Rebounding – Helps shore up one of the Lakers’ biggest playoff flaws.
However, his health remains a major question. If the Lakers can negotiate favorable terms—such as protections in the trade or a reduced price—Williams could be the missing piece to elevate them back into title contention.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to bag $22,282,691 Dallas Mavericks center to bolster squad around Luka Doncic and LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers’ early exit exposed their lack of size, making a reliable center a top priority. Revisiting the Mark Williams trade could be the best path forward, assuming his medicals improve. As Doncic’s preferred target, Williams might just be the solution Los Angeles needs to bounce back stronger next season.
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