The NBA just had the All-Star break going down in San Francisco. Before this annual showcase, one of the biggest trades in league history went down when the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic.
With a void in the frontcourt, the Lakers tried to acquire an athletic force. The trade between the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams fell through after Los Angeles found multiple problems during their physical.
The led to the trade being rescinded and it had a negative impact on Williams. The Duke product had not returned to the Hornets, as the organization is giving him time to readjust to being back with the team.
Mark Williams Hasn't Returned To Hornets Since Rescinded Trade To Lakers https://t.co/FxynBXKDQT
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 16, 2025
Mark Williams Hasn’t Returned to Hornets
Los Angeles and Charlotte agreed on a deal that had Williams getting traded for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 first-round swap and a 2031 first-round pick.
Williams was excited to land with the Lakers, as he tweeted a purple and yellow emoji heart on his X account following the news of the trade.
He went from potentially playing in one of the biggest markets with a duo of Doncic and LeBron James to heading right back to one of the worst teams in the NBA.
That's a tough pill to swallow. Los Angeles badly needed reinforcements in the frontcourt, which led to them signing Alex Len. Now Len and Jaxson Hayes are the two options in the Lakers' frontcourt, which isn't ideal.
Since the trade deadline already passed, both teams weren't able to negotiate another deal. The Hornets have been contacted the NBA to see what they can do since the Lakers rescinded the deal.
Los Angeles has turned the page on this quick chapter, but this has had a lasting effect on Williams. To make matters worse for Williams, Los Angeles and Charlotte square off on Wednesday in the first game out of the All-Star break.