Everyone dreams of being at least once in the shoes of Snoop Dogg. But life is a funny chap and today would’ve been the worst day to be Snoopy. Why? Because his beloved Westside Knecht is no longer a Laker. With the Luka Doncic trade, the rookie became expendable to Rob Pelinka and used him as a bargaining chip to address the major hole in the LA side’s roster — the center position. With the trade of Mark Williams from the Hornets, Rob became the hero LA deserved and needed. But the newcomer to the Hollywood lights already has expectations placed on his shoulders thanks to his former teammate.

After his trade to the Lakers became official, Mark Williams took to X to express his excitement with a Purple and Gold heart emoji. Lakers fans quickly welcomed him to the team, showering him with congratulatory messages as he began his new chapter. But it wasn’t just Lakers fans who had something to say. His former Charlotte teammate, Nick Richards, had a demand.

“I just want the invite to your first movie premiere 🙃,” Richards wrote, retweeting Williams’ post. While it is not yet known when Williams will debut in Lakers colors, Richards is expected to join his ex-teammate courtside, provided he gets time from his new responsibilities with the Suns.

In the 23 appearances Williams made with the Hornets this season, the 7-footer averaged 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The numbers might not stun anyone but considering his minutes on the floor, it isn’t all bad. In fact, with this move, the Lakers once again strengthened their starting five.

Rob Pelinka hadn’t made a trade for a long time, and the Lakers Nation had grown tired of waiting. Fans constantly reminded him that it was his final season and urged him to make a move as the team struggled. But the GM stayed quiet. And when he finally did make the moves, he made sure to win over the fanbase once again. Now the national media too commended it.

National media in favor of Mark Williams trade

The roar was all over the internet after the Lakers made a head-turning trade to fill the gap left by Davis’ absence. Some gave the trade a green light, while others weren’t as convinced. However, ClutchPoints reporter David Yapkowitz was quick to highlight the positive impact Mark Williams would bring to the existing roster.

“The Lakers made it clear that they are still in win-now mode,” Yapkowitz wrote. “Although the Doncic trade sets them up with a generational superstar for the next decade, the Williams trade ensures that the Lakers will be a factor in the Western Conference this season.” Sharing a similar sentiment was CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn.

One thing Quinn pointed out, “He was playing for the lowly Hornets before. Now, he has two of the greatest pick-and-roll players in NBA history by his side. He is a strong offensive rebounder that puts back misses from his teammates, and he runs the floor well enough to pick up free points in transition. The offensive fit here is a no-brainer. That he’s also a sorely underrated passer that can make plays out of the short-roll is just a bonus.” So, that too is a thumbs up.

All in all, the majority believes the Lakers won’t be on the losing side of this trade window. The decisions made in the final hours have certainly been headline-worthy. While Doncic is expected to dominate offensively, how Williams performs at the five under head coach JJ Redick is something to look forward to. What do you think about this move? Let us know in the comments below!