The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly rescinded a trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams because the big man failed his physical, but their decision to do so has been questioned by the big man’s camp.
For one, Williams said before Wednesday’s game against the Lakers that he didn’t think failing his physical was even a possibility beforehand and cited that he received plenty of playing time shortly before the deal came together.
Following Wednesday’s game, he also said he doesn’t think the Lakers voided the trade “solely because” of his physical.
“I don’t know for them, if it was what they gave up or went into that reasoning. But I don’t think it was solely because of my physical,” Williams said. “I’ve been playing all year. And I think my minutes and production on the court speak for itself.”
Now, Williams’ agent has spoken out on the nixed trade, indicating that the Lakers should not have failed Williams on his physical and that Los Angeles robbed him of an opportunity to play for the storied franchise.
Statement from Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management: "The overwhelming sentiment, after conferring with multiple, nationally recognized doctors, is that the Los Angeles Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical."
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025
Jeff Schwartz: "Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity." https://t.co/xpYih9CMRU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025
Williams was also asked by FOX Sports if he thinks the Lakers simply had regrets about agreeing to the deal.
“I think that’s a question for them, not for me,” Williams said. “I was initially excited for the opportunity. I felt like I could have contributed for them. But, obviously, they had second thoughts.”
He continued.
“I think it’s important to realize games I haven’t played, like my rookie year, it’s not like I was hurt, I was just in the G League,” Williams said. “And last year was the long-term injury with my back, which I’ve been 100 percent [since] — and even the Lakers said that. So, I think noting that, I’ve been healthy and every time I’ve been hurt it’s been stated. And I’ve been 100 percent since.”
On Wednesday, Williams played against the team he thought he was going to be a member of and provided some productive minutes. He nearly racked up a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds to go along with a pair of assists.
Interestingly, Williams outplayed a promising young player who was supposed to be headed to Charlotte in rookie Dalton Knecht. Knecht as well as wing Cam Reddish were part of the rescinded deal, and the former totaled only three points and misfired on all but one of his four 3-point attempts on Wednesday.
Williams’ Hornets ultimately came out on top over LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Lakers by a final score of 100-97.
Hopefully, Williams can play out the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign with the Hornets without getting hit by the injury bug in that span.
Williams’ next chance to suit up for the Hornets will come on Thursday when the team faces off against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. The Nuggets are maybe the hottest team in the league right now and riding an eight-game winning streak.
