Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ general manager and frequent target of the team’s fanbase for inaction on the trade market, sat in front of a bank of cameras and told everyone that there was no way to wave a “magic wand” and make the right center appear.

The Charlotte Hornets made a deal in the wee hours Thursday morning, trading away center Mark Williams to the L.A. Lakers. In return, the Hornets received Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and a future No. 1 draft pick.

Less than a week after shocking the league with the Luka Dončić blockbuster, the Lakers GM made another stealth move, acquiring Charlotte center Mark Williams in just two days.