The Lakers have reportedly found their Anthony Davis replacement.

Shams Charania of ESPN reports that L.A. is acquiring Hornets center Mark Williams in exchange for rookie guard Dalton Knecht, forward Cam Reddish, the team’s unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap.

Los Angeles shook the basketball world when it brought in five-time All-NBA superstar guard Luka Doncic from the Mavericks over the weekend, plus big men Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. Adding the reigning Western Conference Finals MVP cost the Lakers All-NBA Second Team center Davis, however.

With Kleber out indefinitely due to a broken foot, Los Angeles found itself in need of at least some center depth along with fill-in starter Jaxson Hayes.

Williams is a talented big man, although he cost L.A. a hefty sum in terms of young talent with Knecht and future young talent with the pick and the swap.

The 7-footer out of Duke had been enjoying a breakout season with Charlotte in 2024-25. Williams is averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 boards, 2.5 dimes, 1.2 blocks and 0.7 steals in 22 healthy contests.

Bobby Marks of ESPN notes that the two-for-one deal now opens up a standard roster spot for Los Angeles. The team has several movable contracts still on its roster, but the Lakers no longer have first-round draft picks to trade this season.

Knecht, meanwhile, was looking like a ready-made wing compliment to aging Lakers superstars Davis and LeBron James. The 6-foot-6 Tennessee alum is averaging 9.4 points on .465/.358/.825 shooting splits in 48 games this season.