Analyst casts doubts surrounding ex-Duke Blue Devil Mark Williams’ fit with Los Angeles Lakers following trade

Mark Williams, the former Duke Blue Devil, was once hailed as one of the most promising young prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft. Standing at 7 feet tall and showcasing impressive athleticism for his size, Williams quickly became a coveted big man due to his ability to dominate on the defensive end, as well as his potential to grow into an offensive contributor. However, after being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, analysts are raising questions about how well the 21-year-old fits into their current system. In particular, concerns have been voiced regarding his role, development, and how well his skills align with the Lakers’ existing roster dynamics.

The Trade: A New Opportunity for Williams

Williams was initially selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but after a year with the team, he was traded to the Lakers in exchange for a package of future assets. The move is part of the Lakers’ ongoing efforts to balance their roster and prepare for future seasons, but it has raised questions about Williams’ fit within a franchise in desperate need of both short-term contributions and long-term sustainability.

The Strengths That Drawed the Lakers to Williams

Before delving into the concerns about his fit, it is crucial to acknowledge why the Lakers pursued Williams in the first place. Williams’ defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and shot-blocking capabilities are immediately appealing to any NBA team, especially one like the Lakers, who have struggled with interior defense in recent years.

Elite Shot-Blocking and Rim Protection

Williams is regarded as one of the best shot-blockers in his draft class. At Duke, he averaged 2.8 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to alter shots at the rim and provide rim protection on a consistent basis. This was a major area of need for the Lakers, who have struggled in this regard since the departure of veteran shot-blocker Dwight Howard. With Anthony Davis already anchoring the defense, Williams could potentially complement him by providing another layer of rim protection when Davis needs a break.

Rebounding and Physicality

In addition to his shot-blocking, Williams is an excellent rebounder, averaging 9.9 rebounds per game at Duke. The Lakers have often found themselves outmuscled in the paint, especially in terms of grabbing rebounds on both ends of the floor. Williams’ size and tenacity make him an appealing addition to a Lakers team that can sometimes struggle in this area, particularly on the offensive glass.

Athleticism for His Size

Standing at 7 feet, Williams possesses a unique combination of size and athleticism, making him an intriguing option for the Lakers. He can run the floor well for a big man, and his ability to finish at the rim in transition is an asset that the Lakers have historically valued. With LeBron James and Russell Westbrook driving to the basket, Williams could thrive as a lob threat or someone who can finish putbacks on missed shots.

Potential Concerns: A Round Peg in a Square Hole?

Despite the clear positives that Williams brings to the table, analysts are questioning how well he will fit into the Lakers’ current roster and system. The Lakers, as currently constructed, have a particular need for players who can contribute offensively right away and mesh with LeBron James’ high basketball IQ and playmaking. Williams’ offensive game, while promising, is still a work in progress, and many wonder if his development will be stunted in Los Angeles.

Limited Offensive Skill Set

One of the biggest questions surrounding Williams is his ability to contribute offensively in the NBA. At Duke, his offense was limited primarily to finishing around the basket or taking a few hook shots in the post. While Williams is a strong dunker and can finish lob passes, he does not yet possess a reliable jumper, mid-range game, or advanced post moves that would make him a consistent scoring threat.

For the Lakers, who have struggled with spacing and offensive efficiency in recent years, this is a glaring concern. They need a center who can either stretch the floor or at least punish opposing defenses when they leave him open in the paint. Williams’ inability to stretch the floor could lead to issues with floor spacing, especially in lineups where he shares the floor with other non-shooters.

While Williams does have time to develop his offensive game, it’s unclear whether the Lakers will be able to afford that luxury in the near future. With LeBron James in the twilight of his career and the team in win-now mode, the Lakers may not have the time to wait for Williams to become a more well-rounded offensive player.

Fit with Anthony Davis

The Lakers’ frontcourt is already anchored by Anthony Davis, one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Davis, who excels as a center on defense and a forward on offense, has shown that he can be dominant in the paint, both as a rim protector and as an offensive option. This creates a bit of a logjam for Williams, whose strengths are quite similar to Davis’. Both players excel in rim protection and rebounding, which raises the question of how they would coexist on the floor.

If Williams is brought in to play significant minutes, it could force Davis to play more minutes at power forward, where he is less effective and less comfortable. This might limit Davis’ impact as a center, and force the Lakers to either play Davis out of position or rely on Williams to develop quickly. In either case, there are questions about whether the two players can function optimally together, particularly if Williams’ offensive game doesn’t progress as hoped.

Lack of Immediate Offensive Impact

In addition to his limited shooting, Williams is not yet a polished offensive player in the post. His offensive moves are often rudimentary, and he hasn’t demonstrated the ability to create his own shot or be effective in pick-and-roll situations as a scorer. For a Lakers team that needs offensive contributions from every position, Williams could find himself struggling to fit into their system unless his offensive game improves significantly.

With LeBron James still the primary ball handler and playmaker, the Lakers need a center who can provide a reliable outlet for scoring in the paint or pick-and-roll. Williams, while capable as a lob threat, might not be able to provide the same level of offensive spacing that the Lakers are looking for from their big men.

Developmental Concerns and the Lakers’ Short-Term Needs

While the Lakers have a history of developing young players, the reality is that they are in win-now mode, especially with LeBron James still playing at an MVP level. Williams’ path to immediate playing time might be hindered by the Lakers’ short-term needs and the urgency to surround James with contributors who can step in and perform right away. With veterans like James and Davis looking to secure another championship, Williams may not get the minutes and development opportunities he needs to fully reach his potential.

It’s also worth considering how the Lakers have handled player development in recent years. The team has had mixed results when it comes to developing younger talent, and it’s unclear if Williams will have the same kind of growth opportunities that would be available in other environments with more time to develop.