When Luka Doncic walked out of the private jet, Rob Pelinka received him at the airport with his face glowing with pride. Right when we thought he could not do anything more to his already soaring reputation, he did something miraculous. The 55-year-old solved the Lakers’ long-pending problem of finding a traditional big. He didn’t just rope in a regular big but a 23-year-old with a lot of unexplored talent. It’s the 7-foot Mark Williams. Now, let’s look at how the Lakers got this deal done, seeking a nod from LukaMagic.

Speaking to the press, Pelinka compared the whole event to LA’s housing market. “Not every house is listed, sometimes you become aware of something available that’s not on the market,” said Pelinka with a sense of achievement. So, Mark Williams was the unlisted dream mansion that he managed to acquire under everyone’s nose. Moreover, he made it sound like it was out of pure luck. But when the Lakers are shopping, you know it’s business.

Rob Pelinka said that he hunted for the #5 spot, not with the “go get this” attitude but with a last roll of dice before the deadline. The GM added, “One of the things that we talked about is whether it (trade) will be at the deadline or potentially at the summer, seeing if we can add a vertical big… that will also fit with JJ Redick’s style.” Fortunately, a timely discussion with the Charlotte Hornets paved the way for the trade.

Above all, the Lakers’ top executive didn’t just rope Williams right after spotting him but made a careful decision. First and foremost, it has to sit well with Luka Doncic. “Fits that profile, mobile big, one of the largest standing reaches in the NBA… He lined up so well just in terms of his age and career trajectory with Luka and other parts of our roster so when the opportunity came our way we were aggressive and brought him to our team,” said Pelinka detailing the thought process behind the trade.

Are the Lakers taking a big risk with Mark Williams?

Everything comes at a price. The price that the Lakers are willing to pay for Williams is the uncertainty. The big man with an annual salary of $4.5 million has a concerning history of injuries. In his three-season-long career, he has managed to play only 85 games so far, missing 59.9% of games. Notably, he missed 61 games in his sophomore year, dealing with a back injury.

While there is no concern over his ability, the injury woes stare right at the Lakers’ face. Williams has the biggest standing reach of 9 ‘9 in the NBA world, widening the vertical space for the Lakers. But beyond every equation, HC JJ Redick seems confident about the future of the big man.

Reporters caught hold of Redick after the Thursday night win over the Dubs and asked about Williams’ injury concern. The 40-year-old coach said, “Dr Simpson and his staff, You know, did their leg work and were confident… we can take care of them and help manage his body, and he’ll be on the court for us.” What do you make of this? Let us know in the comments below.