The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the most eventful trade deadlines in NBA history, pulling off an unexpected blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic and completely revamping the roster. Immediately after the deadline, they went on an impressive run, improving to 42-25 and moving up to fourth place in the Western Conference.
One fascinating part of the deadline was the Mark Williams saga. The Lakers traded for the talented, young big man from the Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap. It seemed like the Lakers had found their center of the future, a rim-running, rim-protecting big man that they desperately needed.
After the deadline passed, however, the trade was rescinded. It was reported that Williams had failed his physical with the Lakers. Williams returned to Charlotte and the Lakers were left without a viable center other than Jaxson Hayes.
It turns out that the Lakers may get a second chance to trade for Williams this summer.
Hornets Expected To Re-Explore Trade Market For Mark Williams https://t.co/1SQHplKmMn
— RealGM (@RealGM) March 19, 2025
Lakers Can Trade for Mark Williams This Offseason
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to "re-explore" the trade market for Williams. The 23-year-old will be entering the final year of his rookie deal and the Hornets will reportedly look to move him rather than extending his contract.
Williams may have failed his physical with the Lakers, but his camp continues to argue that this was a mistake. Williams has proven that he is healthy, starting in 12 games since the deadline, averaging 27.2 minutes of action. In this span, he is averaging 15 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on 60.8% shooting from the field.
Considering how badly the Lakers need more frontcourt talent and depth, they should seriously consider revisiting Williams as an option. If the two sides haven't completely burned the bridges between them, this could still be a win-win move for both the Lakers and the promising big man.