Ex-Laker Confirms Major Issue With Luka Doncic’s Future as Awkward Situation Looms in LA Locker Room

The Los Angeles Lakers made a big splash during the trade deadline. To suit Luka Doncic, they traded away their star rookie Dalton Knecht to attain Mark Williams. The Laker Nation was in jubilation getting a true bruising center. Sadly, after failed medical tests, the trade fell through. It puts the Lakers in a precarious position with only Jaxson Hayes as the recognized center. Does this mean they aren’t title contenders anymore?

Even without a true center for most of their season, the Lakers remain 12 games over .500. However, having an athletic center like Williams would have significantly propelled them to being championship favorites. But with that not possible, Danny Green doesn’t think his former team has enough.

“They went from like an A+ to a B- after this. Jaxson Hayes played well. I saw him the other night against the Clippers. He had energy. Looks like he’s wanting to take on that role. But ultimately for the duration of the game, they need not only him to be locked in which I don’t know if he can do but they need another big behind him… They can win some games but they’re not in a win-now situation. They had great moves for the future and now when they had Mark Williams. But now it’s just Luka so the future you got to build around him this summer because you can’t do it now,” Green said on Run It Back.

But that’s not the only problem. The return of Knecht and Cam Reddish can’t be easy either. The rookie in particular was sang by Redick as an integral part of the Lakers’ core. Now, with him coming back, Chandler Parsons isn’t sure how the duo will react to the locker room.

“Let’s call a spade a spade; this is awkward as hell for Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish to go back to that locker room. For Dalton, he’s such a promising rookie. He’s had such great flashes this year being such a huge part of this foundation for the Lakers and they trade you,” Parsons explained.

At the end of the day though, it was business as usual. The move didn’t necessarily signal Reddish and Knecht weren’t good enough. However, with the front office’s conversations with Luka Doncic, having a lob threat would make his transition easier. There could still be some awkwardness initially.

But the bigger problem is how do the Lakers cope with the loss of Williams.

Luka Doncic has lost a key piece in his transition

It’s no surprise that Doncic plays well with a big man. His passing acumen is among the best in the league. Compiled with his ability to get to the rim and unsettle defenses, a lob threat becomes a big weapon in his arsenal. Mark Williams, a 7’2″ center could supply that while also being a revered shot blocker.

And although Hayes can still service as an aerial attacker, Parsons feels the Charlotte Hornets center was pivotal for the Slovenian guard.

“Big picture is this is brutal for the Lakers. Everybody is giving them you know A+ rankings and gradings for thr trade deadline. This is exactly what they needed a lob threat for Luka to make him comfortable and play pick and roll. And now that doesn’t happen. Now you’re kinda stuck with these light, mediocre type bigs that you have to believe in. You are now forced to play small ball lineups which Luka is not really great at, doesn’t want. He’s always loved the pick and roll, lob threat, rim runner guy,” said the former Mavs forward.

Not all hope is lost still. Although they can’t tempt anyone from the league, the Lakers could still sign free-agent centers to fill the requirement. Veterans such as Dwight Howard are still chasing an NBA return. Furthermore, although playing small ball may not be ideal, LeBron James’ off-ball role could be huge.

The 40-year-old isn’t a traditional center by any means. However, he still has the burst to beat slower centers and get to the rim. If he is in position, it’s more than likely that Luka Doncic will find his target. The situation appears bleak. But there is still room to work with what’s available.

It may not be as good as it would be with Mark Williams. However, with the great basketball minds present on the Lakers, they could design a playstyle that suits their roster and continue finding success.