Mavs’ embarrassing Luka Doncic trade looks even worse after Lakers add Mark Williams

A few days after pulling off one of the biggest trades in NBA history, acquiring Luka Doncic, Rob Pelinka, and the Los Angeles Lakers made another big-time move.

The Lakers have acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and their 2031 first-round pick.

It's an interesting move; despite losing Knecht, who showed promise throughout the season, the Lakers are filling a massive void on their roster that Anthony Davis left in the trade.

The Lakers get some much-needed size and defense by acquiring a young, promising rim protector in Mark Williams. Mark Williams averaged 15.6 points per game, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks during the season. But also highlights the Maverick's incompetence.

The Mavericks continue to look foolish post Luka Doncic trade.

If they didn't look bad already trading arguably a top-five player in his prime who didn't want to be traded, the Mavericks look even worse watching the Lakers put the right pieces around the Doncic to win. And especially considering that all the Mavs got for Doncic was Davis, Max Christie and a single first-round pick.

The Mavericks could have conceivably pushed for the deal with the Lakers to include Knecht and the 2031 first-round pick. They still would have been on the short end but it would have been much better off. But not getting as much as they could and then watching the Lakers turn those extra pieces into a player who should help keep them ahead of the Mavericks in the standings really stings.

The Lakers have improved by acquiring Doncic and Williams, who should be two young building blocks for the future post-LeBron James era. Meanwhile, Dallas looks older, getting Anthony Davis back, who is still one of the best players in the league but on the wrong side of 30.

Williams, who is only 23, has shown immense talent throughout his time with the Hornets despite dealing with numerous injuries throughout his first three seasons in the league. If healthy, he can be a difference-maker for the Lakers. James is still on the team for the foreseeable future and is still arguably a top-ten player in the game.

In hindsight, it seems the Lakers are built to win in the long term, and their latest moves highlight the franchise's dedication to winning another championship.