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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka in April 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to establish long-term stability at the center position in recent years.
Instead, the organization has cycled through a series of short-term solutions without securing a dependable answer in the middle, with Deandre Ayton representing the latest attempt.
The former No. 1 overall pick has delivered an inconsistent campaign so far, raising growing scrutiny and questions about his long-term fit in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, at the G League level, the Lakers’ affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, faced an unexpected challenge earlier this season when a sudden roster change left the team short-handed at center.
Lakers Find Unexpected Frontcourt Production in G League
In February, South Bay announced that center Kylor Kelley had left the organization via buyout to pursue an opportunity overseas.
NBA insider Marc Stein later reported that Kelley had signed with a team in the Philippines, joining former NBA center Bol Bol in the league.
Shortly after Kelley’s departure, South Bay moved quickly to address the gap by acquiring center Malik Williams from the College Park Skyhawks in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (originally from Rip City via Rio Grande Valley and Osceola) and a 2027 first-round pick.
Williams entered the professional ranks with significant pedigree, having been a five-star recruit out of high school, according to ESPN and 247Sports, and he has quickly proven to be a shrewd midseason addition.
Through 11 games with South Bay this season, the 27-year-old is averaging 13.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.
Notably, he is shooting 48.3% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range on 5.4 attempts per contest.
While Kelley built his reputation primarily as a defensive presence, Williams brings a more balanced skill set, combining perimeter shooting, rebounding and defensive versatility.
Malik Williams Emerging as Standout G League Performer
Williams’ production has been felt across the G League. His 381 total rebounds rank fifth in the league, while his 53 blocks place him 15th overall.
His 596 points rank seventh among centers, and his 80 made three-pointers rank fourth at the position.
On Sunday, the 6-foot-11 big man recorded his 17th double-double of the season in South Bay’s 129-122 victory over the Rip City Remix, extending the franchise’s winning streak to a record 12 games.
In 36 minutes, Williams finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds while adding three assists, two steals and one block. He shot an efficient 8-of-13 from the field and knocked down three shots from beyond the arc.
His best performance of the season came on March 6 against the Santa Cruz Warriors, when he posted 24 points and 12 rebounds while connecting on four three-pointers.
After going undrafted in 2022 following a four-year college career at Louisville, Williams gained professional experience overseas in Poland and spent time with the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate before eventually earning NBA minutes with the Toronto Raptors.
Across seven NBA appearances during the 2023-24 season, he averaged 2.7 points and 5.4 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game.
His most notable outing came against the Brooklyn Nets, when he recorded seven points and 14 rebounds, including five offensive boards, showcasing his ability to compete against NBA-level competition.
Whether Williams ultimately earns another opportunity at the NBA level remains to be seen, but his performances suggest the Lakers may have uncovered an intriguing frontcourt option as the organization continues searching for long-term answers at the center position.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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