The Los Angeles Lakers dropped the ball in the first round of the 2025 postseason.
While many believed the organization could make a championship run with Luka Doncic and LeBron James sharing the court, Los Angeles only secured one victory in five games, allowing the Minnesota Timberwolves to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
With Jaxson Hayes failing to appear in Wednesday night’s elimination contest, the Lakers’ lack of size plagued them from start to finish.
Los Angeles surrendered 18 offensive rebounds (nine to Rudy Gobert) and secured just one block in their 103-96 loss.
Luckily, the Lakers could get back on track next season by acquiring a star big man from the Charlotte Hornets this summer.
“There's bad blood here, of course, but we know the Lakers like (Mark) Williams as a player and we know the Hornets are willing to trade him,” CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn wrote Thursday.
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“It would be a bit dirty, but don't be surprised if the Lakers re-engage the Hornets at a lower price point this summer. They might've done that after the failed physical if they'd been allowed, but the deadline had passed.”
The Lakers seemed to have struck gold when they traded for Williams on Feb. 5.
Williams, a high-upside center known for playing above the rim on both ends and remaining energized at all times, was swapped for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick swap.
However, the game-changing deal was later rescinded by Los Angeles due to Williams’ unsuccessful physical.
Although Williams is an injury-prone big man who’s yet to finish a regular season with 50+ games played, the Lakers should consider acquiring the Duke product in free agency.
Considering Williams is only 23 years old and would help prevent JJ Redick and the Lakers from turning to smaller lineups, it would undoubtedly be worth a second attempt.
Knecht was already included in a trade for Williams three months ago, making it reasonable for Los Angeles to use the rookie stud to entice the Hornets in free agency.
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