New Lakers center Mark Williams boasts the NBA’s longest standing reach at 9’9”, even surpassing Victor Wembanyama’s 9’7”—he grabs the rim flat-footed.

In a league where freakish physical tools often define success, the Los Angeles Lakers may have quietly added one of the most remarkable physical specimens in recent NBA memory. Center Mark Williams, acquired in a trade this offseason, now holds the record for the longest standing reach in the NBA at a staggering 9 feet, 9 inches.

Yes, you read that correctly.

That’s two inches longer than the much-heralded Victor Wembanyama, the 7’4” French phenom who’s been the talk of the basketball world. While Wembanyama might bring unicorn skills and generational talent, Mark Williams enters the 2024–2025 season with a raw but undeniable physical gift: the ability to touch the rim without even jumping.

This isn’t just a trivia fact—it’s a potential game-changer for a Lakers frontcourt that has often relied on mobility and finesse but sometimes lacked pure rim deterrence. Let’s take a deep dive into what this means for the Lakers, Williams’ trajectory, and the implications across the NBA.

The Numbers Behind the Reach

Mark Williams, a 7’1” center out of Duke, entered the NBA as the 15th overall pick in the 2022 Draft, selected by the Charlotte Hornets. At the combine, he measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach, which immediately raised eyebrows.

To put that in perspective:

• The regulation basketball rim is 10 feet off the ground.
• Williams needs to elevate just 3 inches to touch the rim.
• That’s closer to the hoop than many players get with a vertical leap.

Only a few players in league history have approached a similar measurement. Tacko Fall and Manute Bol were in that elite reach tier, but neither had the mobility that Williams possesses. Williams combines his wingspan and standing reach with decent lateral movement and improving timing on both ends of the court.

This physical tool gives him a massive edge in rebounding, shot-blocking, and defending without fouling. And for the Lakers, it adds a true rim-protecting presence who can anchor the paint even when Anthony Davis plays the four.

Comparing Williams to Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama is arguably the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. His ability to dribble, shoot, and pass at over 7 feet tall is unprecedented. However, Williams beats him in one specific, measurable, and impactful category—standing reach.

• Wembanyama: 9’7” standing reach
• Williams: 9’9” standing reach

That two-inch difference may not sound like much, but in the paint, it’s everything. Williams has the unique ability to block or alter shots while staying grounded, reducing the risk of fouls and maximizing defensive efficiency.

More importantly, he can alter shot trajectories without even being in perfect position—his length gives him a second chance to recover and contest.

The comparison isn’t to suggest Williams is the better player, but his superior reach does present a tool that very few in the league possess, even Wembanyama.

Why the Lakers Made the Move

The Lakers’ decision to bring in Mark Williams came amid a broader push to strengthen the frontcourt without overloading minutes on Anthony Davis. While Davis remains one of the NBA’s best defenders when healthy, the team’s need for a traditional shot-blocker who can relieve him has been evident in recent seasons.

By acquiring Williams, they now have:

• A player who can dominate vertically on both ends
• A young, moldable big man still on a team-friendly contract
• An elite lob target for LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell
• A rim protector to help in small-ball or switching lineups

Darvin Ham and the Lakers coaching staff have already indicated that Williams will play a rotational role early, but could grow into a starter depending on matchups.

His defense around the rim may allow Davis to shift more freely defensively or conserve energy for offensive duties, especially in tight playoff games.

Development and Limitations

Williams is not without his limitations.

Offensively, he remains a work in progress. He’s shown flashes of a developing hook shot and decent pick-and-roll instincts, but his offensive game is still very much dependent on teammates setting him up. He doesn’t create his own shot and doesn’t yet stretch the floor.

Free throw shooting has been inconsistent—he shot around 69% from the line last season with Charlotte, a modest improvement from his rookie year but still an area for growth.

Defensively, his timing and instincts are good, but he occasionally bites on fakes or gets caught out of position in transition. These are areas that coaching can improve.

However, the sheer potential of a player who can block shots and alter games with just his reach is too valuable to ignore.

Teammates React

The Lakers’ veterans have already voiced excitement about Williams joining the team. LeBron James praised his physical tools and eagerness to learn.

“He’s got gifts you can’t teach,” LeBron said after a practice. “When you’ve got a guy who can protect the rim just by standing there, it changes everything on defense.”

Anthony Davis echoed the sentiment, highlighting how Williams could give him more flexibility on both ends.

“Playing alongside him allows me to roam more, chase blocks, and not have to bang inside every possession,” Davis said. “It’s going to be fun.”

How He Fits the Lakers’ System

Darvin Ham’s system relies on smart defensive rotations and rim protection. With the addition of Williams, the Lakers can employ new looks:

• Twin Towers Lineup: Pairing Davis and Williams in the starting unit, giving LA elite shot-blocking from both sides of the lane.
• Bench Anchor: Allowing Williams to control the paint when Davis rests, preserving the team’s defensive identity.
• Zone Options: Williams’ presence in a 2-3 or matchup zone allows the Lakers to force mid-range shots while walling off the paint.

On offense, he’ll likely be used as a vertical spacer—setting screens, rolling to the rim, and cleaning up misses.

What It Means for the Lakers’ Title Hopes

The Western Conference is stacked with elite big men—Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Domantas Sabonis, and of course, Wembanyama. Having a player who can physically match those giants is crucial.

Mark Williams might not average 20 points per game, but his ability to impact possessions simply by standing near the rim could be the Lakers’ secret weapon.

In a playoff series, where every possession is magnified, Williams’ reach could be the difference between a clutch block and an easy layup. And with LeBron still chasing rings in Year 22, every advantage matters.

The Bigger Picture: A New Era of Giants

Mark Williams’ standing reach brings attention back to a classic idea in basketball—size still matters. The game may have evolved with spacing and threes, but having someone who can guard the basket without jumping is still immensely valuable.

Players like Williams offer a blend of old-school size and modern agility. He’s not a throwback big, but a new prototype: a towering presence who fits into today’s pace-and-space game with rim-rolling, shot-blocking, and low-usage efficiency.

He could very well become the model for the next wave of NBA centers—long, lean, athletic, and ridiculously hard to score over.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, a 9’9” standing reach might sound like a fun fact or a footnote. But for the Lakers and Mark Williams, it’s much more. It’s a tangible, strategic advantage. It’s an anchor in the paint. It’s a ceiling-raiser for a roster that wants to contend.

In a league defined by talent and tactics, sometimes the edge comes down to biology—and in that department, Mark Williams stands taller than them all.

Literally.

As the 2024–2025 season begins, keep an eye on the Lakers’ newest big man. He may not be the flashiest name in purple and gold, but when it’s time to protect the rim, he’s already there—without even leaving his feet.