After the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the NBA world with their blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, Rob Pelinka and Co. pulled off a second blockbuster prior to the NBA trade deadline, acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets.
The deal was supposed to feature the Lakers sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a first-rounder, and a pick swap to Charlotte in exchange for the talented 23-year-old center. However, several days later, the trade was rescinded. What happened?
Why the Lakers-Hornets Trade Was Rescinded
Williams failed his physical with the Lakers, which is what caused the front office to back out of the trade.
ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that Williams’ troublesome back was not the reason for the failed physical — rather, he’s dealing with “multiple issues” that scared the Lakers off.
Mark Williams' physical with the Lakers showed multiple issues and the team failed him on the exam, sources tell ESPN. The physical was not failed due to his back, however. https://t.co/lY4XrSIlHf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025
It’s extremely rare for a team to rescind a trade, so it speaks to the level of concern that the Lakers had about Williams’ ailments, particularly since the trade deadline had passed and they couldn’t pivot to other center options.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne weighed in on Los Angeles’ shocking decision.
“Teams do not like to cancel trades, especially those as significant as the Lakers-Charlotte trade for Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht,” Shelburne posted. “But LA gave up a lot to get Williams, they needed to feel confident he’d be healthy enough to be their starting center for the next 5-10 years. After a “thorough” evaluation of his health, they were not.”
The Hornets aren’t happy about the Lakers’ decision, as they have been in contact with the NBA and may “explore options to dispute” the Lakers’ failed physical assessment of Williams, according to Charania.
The Charlotte Hornets have been in contact with the NBA as they explore options to dispute the Los Angeles Lakers' failed physical assessment of Mark Williams, sources tell ESPN. The Williams/Dalton Knecht trade was nixed Saturday, and now Hornets weigh avenues to challenge.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2025
Rescinding a trade certainly makes things a bit awkward for the players involved in the deal since they have to return to their original team, but it’s also bad news for the Lakers given the state of their frontcourt.
After trading Anthony Davis, Los Angeles’ biggest weakness is its frontcourt. At full strength, their options are Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, Christian Koloko, and Maxi Kleber. However, their current depth chart lists wing Dorian Finney-Smith as the backup five behind Hayes.
There are rumblings that the Lakers may sign free agent center Alex Len, who backed out of his agreement with the Indiana Pacers once the Williams trade was rescinded. But even still, the drop-off from Hayes and Len is massive.
This season, Williams is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks on 58.6% shooting. He is the exact kind of big man who thrives alongside Doncic and James as a lob threat.
Meanwhile, Hayes is averaging 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a block for the Lakers this season. Len has averaged 1.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 7.2 minutes across 36 games with the Sacramento Kings.
