Lakers acquire 6-foot-11 ex-Heat center via G-League trade
The Los Angeles Lakers organization has moved to bolster its frontcourt depth chart, executing a transaction to bring a former Miami Heat big man into their developmental system. While the NBA trade deadline has passed, franchises often utilize their G-League affiliates to secure rights to players who can serve as emergency call-up options or 10-day contract candidates down the stretch. On Friday, the South Bay Lakers finalized a deal to acquire center Malik Williams from the College Park Skyhawks, the affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks.
In exchange for the 6-foot-11 pivot, the Lakers’ affiliate sent a significant draft package to College Park, including a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick in the G-League draft. The move signals a clear intent by the organization to secure priority access to Williams, a 27-year-old Louisville product who has previously logged NBA minutes. Williams appeared in seven games for the Miami Heat during the 2023-24 campaign, where he was immersed in the rigorous "Heat Culture" developmental program, a background that often appeals to scouting departments looking for disciplined defenders.
This season, Williams has been a statistical force in the G-League, averaging a double-double with 16.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the field for the Skyhawks. His size and rebounding prowess make him an intriguing insurance policy for the senior club. With the NBA regular season entering its final, critical phase, having a rim protector of Williams' caliber in the immediate pipeline allows the Los Angeles Lakers to have a "break glass in case of emergency" option should injuries plague their rotation.
While Williams will report to South Bay initially, his acquisition is a noteworthy depth play for the purple and gold. By trading future assets to acquire him now, the organization ensures they can evaluate his fit within their system, potentially eyeing him for a Two-Way slot or a standard roster spot should the need arise during the playoff push.
In exchange for the 6-foot-11 pivot, the Lakers’ affiliate sent a significant draft package to College Park, including a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick in the G-League draft. The move signals a clear intent by the organization to secure priority access to Williams, a 27-year-old Louisville product who has previously logged NBA minutes. Williams appeared in seven games for the Miami Heat during the 2023-24 campaign, where he was immersed in the rigorous "Heat Culture" developmental program, a background that often appeals to scouting departments looking for disciplined defenders.
This season, Williams has been a statistical force in the G-League, averaging a double-double with 16.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the field for the Skyhawks. His size and rebounding prowess make him an intriguing insurance policy for the senior club. With the NBA regular season entering its final, critical phase, having a rim protector of Williams' caliber in the immediate pipeline allows the Los Angeles Lakers to have a "break glass in case of emergency" option should injuries plague their rotation.
While Williams will report to South Bay initially, his acquisition is a noteworthy depth play for the purple and gold. By trading future assets to acquire him now, the organization ensures they can evaluate his fit within their system, potentially eyeing him for a Two-Way slot or a standard roster spot should the need arise during the playoff push.
