The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season concluded abruptly with a 4-1 first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. A significant factor in their early exit was their lack of size and interior defense, which was exploited by the Timberwolves throughout the series. Rudy Gobert, in particular, dominated the paint, recording a playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds in Game 5.
Doncic, acquired midseason from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade, delivered strong offensive performances, averaging 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists in the five games against Minnesota. However, the Lakers’ adopted a center-less basketball style after the departure of 10-time All-star Anthony Davis, a decision that backfired in the playoffs, as they struggled to contain Minnesota’s frontcourt and secure rebounds.
In an effort to bolster their interior presence, Doncic had advocated for the acquisition of Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, envisioning him as an ideal lob partner, after forming a successful partnership with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford during his final stint in Dallas.
The Lakers pursued a trade for Williams, but the deal was rescinded after Williams failed a physical examination, with the team reportedly stating they “just couldn’t live with what they saw,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
This controversial decision came after Doncic chose Williams as his preferred trade target.
“Williams was Doncic’s preferred lob partner out of a list of potential trade targets and told the team so, sources said, after Doncic had been so effective with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in Dallas,” McMenamin wrote.
This news has the Lakers facing backlash.
“wtf could’ve been the problem????” a fan asked.
“WTF DID THEY SEE,” said another.
“Insane bro,” one added.
“So I guess they could live with what they saw with Alex Len,” a fan wrote.
The absence of a reliable center like Williams proved costly, as the Lakers were outmatched in the paint during the playoff series. General Manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged the team’s need for more size at the center position, emphasizing it as a priority for the offseason.
