Ahead of this year’s trade deadline, the Charlotte Hornets sent big man Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers. This occurred just days after the Lakers landed Luka Doncic. By acquiring Williams, the Lakers gave Doncic a primary center to complement him. However, due to multiple problems with his physical, the Lakers rescinded the trade.
On Wednesday night, Williams will make his Hornets “return” against the Lakers (ironically) to kick off the second half of the season. Before the game, the Duke alum spoke about the failed trade and revealed he was stunned about his failed physical (subscription required).
“My agent told me,” Williams said. “I didn’t think I had failed my physical. That didn’t even cross my mind. The night I got traded I played hella minutes. I didn’t think in any world that was possible. Since I’ve been back since the start of the year, I’ve played games with a lot of minutes. I feel like every injury I’ve had has been well-documented and I’ve recovered and been 100% since. “So, I don’t know what went into that decision. I think that’s up to them.”
Stunned Mark Williams Opens Up About Failed Los Angeles Lakers Trade
Luka Doncic Not Upset About Failed Mark Williams Trade
After the trade initially happened, reports came out that said Doncic “handpicked” Williams as a big man he wanted on the Lakers. However, despite the trade falling through, Doncic and his camp are not upset about it. According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), it is actually the opposite.
“Yet there has been no tangible dismay from the Luka Doncic camp about his new team walking away from the Mark Williams deal. Sources told The Stein Line that Dončić, in his first discussion about roster construction with Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, told Pelinka that he understood it might take until the summer to make that addition … and came away impressed by how swiftly the Lakers initially moved to try to address that void.”
Early on in their partnership, this is a good sign for the Lakers. Additionally, it raises the question of what is next for the team. After failing to get Williams, the Lakers pivoted and signed Alex Len. However, the 31-year-old is not a long-term option for the team. It is unlikely they go after Williams once again. However, it is safe to assume they will be in the market for a center in the offseason regardless.
Mark Williams’ Season With the Hornets
Williams is in his third season in Charlotte and is having a career year. In 23 games, he is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks. The Virginia native is just 23 years old and has room to develop as well. Though the Hornets are not a winning basketball team right now, having Williams back gives them a lot of value.
Currently, the Hornets are 13-39 and own the second-worst record in the East, only ahead of the Washington Wizards. They will not make the playoffs this season. However, they have an exciting young core and could compete for a playoff spot soon enough.
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