Mark Williams trade should satisfy both Lakers' LeBron James and Luka Doncic

Rob Pelinka surely had his fair share of skeptics heading into the NBA Trade Deadline. However, he deserves all the kudos in the world for how well things have gone for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA world stood still when it was announced Luka Doncic was heading to Los Angeles in exchange for a package around Anthony Davis. The collective thought from most people was that Pelinka and company committed highway robbery.

Now, the Lakers front office continues to build on that success after swinging a trade for Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets last night.

The deal came with a considerable cost, surrendering Dalton Knecht and the 2031 first-round pick as a part of the package for Williams. However, the price was worth paying in terms of what the addition of the former Hornets center does for both the present and the future.

Pelinka sets Lakers up to win now and have a foundation for the future

There is an old expression that says, "You can't please everybody." Well, it turns out that Pelinka actually could. At the very least, this is a deal that should satisfy both Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

First and foremost, there needs to be a cautionary message about Williams as a player. The third-year pro has struggled to stay consistently healthy throughout his playing days so far. Lower body injuries and back problems have kept Williams from playing anywhere close to a full NBA season. Quite frankly, the issues with depending on his availability are not too dissimilar to that of Anthony Davis.

However, it is tough to deny the talent Williams has displayed. The 23-year-old center is posting 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in his third season.

The athletic archetype that Williams represents at the center position is exactly the type of player Doncic has thrived with throughout his seven seasons in the NBA. That partnership should be a successful one for the foreseeable future, setting up the newest Lakers supestar with a real foundational piece.

At the same time, this strong roster is also poised to compete while James is still around. Williams solves the Lakers' biggest issue that was only amplified after trading away Davis. Now, Los Angeles has a strong presence down low to help this unit push for a title before LeBron decides to call it a career.

Whether the Lakers have one more big trade in them before time runs out this afternoon is still worth monitoring. If not, they will surely be a team to watch on the buyout market. Even if things stand perfectly still as to where they are now with the roster, the Lakers can feel pretty good about where they are.