Mark Williams has had quite the last two weeks in his NBA career. When the Charlotte Hornets center woke up a few weeks ago, his life was changed in a way no one saw coming.
Williams had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Dalton Knecht and a 2031 first-round pick. The news shocked fans who felt that the Lakers finally got the big man that they needed.
Then, a few days later, something happened. That trade was rescinded, sending Knecht back to the Lakers and Williams back to the Hornets. Just like that, it was all over.
Mark Williams Has Suspicions About Rescinded Lakers Trade
For Williams, the trade being rescinded doesn’t sit too well. Imagine having your career changed in an instant twice within a few days. One could understand his feelings in this regard.
For Williams, he felt as if the Lakers had some form of ulterior motive when they failed his physical, pondering if perhaps they felt they gave up too much to get him:
🎙️ Mark Williams: "You go from getting traded, thinking you're going to LA, and then they choose to fail me on my physical."
"I don't know if, for them, it was about what they gave up or what went into that reasoning, but I don't think it was solely because of my physical." pic.twitter.com/e77Q1G9RV2
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) February 20, 2025
“You go from getting traded, thinking you’re going to LA, and then they choose to fail me on my physical.”
“I don’t know if, for them, it was about what they gave up or what went into that reasoning, but I don’t think it was solely because of my physical.”
There have been whispers alluding to what Williams references here, but there’s no way to know. The Lakers signed big man Alex Len once the trade was rescinded, but it doesn’t seem like he’ll be much help for the time being.
The Lakers Still Need a Center
LeBron James put together a heroic effort to the tune of 40 points, eight rebounds, and four assists to help the Lakers defeat the Portland Trailblazers, alongside Austin Reaves’ 32 points.
Despite these efforts, the hole the Lakers have at the center position is still glaring. Len did not play against the Blazers, and Jaxson Hayes finished with nine points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes, not quite matching the production of Anthony Davis.
Without a productive center, the Lakers will have to rely on the 40-year-old James, Luka Dončić, and Reaves to help carry the team offensively. It remains to be seen who steps up as the defensive anchor in the absence of Davis.
The Lakers desperately need to find a defensive big man to help replace what Davis brought to the table. The buyout market might be the best bet for the Lakers, as more players will become available over the next few weeks. Time will tell if the Lakers can fix this issue.
