The Los Angeles Lakers clearly won in the recent trade shuffles. While they got Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks offloading Anthony Davis, things were at ease. However, LA went into another controversial trade involving Dalton Knecht and Mark Williams.
Recently, the Knecht-Williams trade saga took a significant turn when the Lakers opted to rescind the deal after Williams failed his physical examination. Initially, the Lakers agreed to trade rookie Dalton Knecht, wing Cam Reddish, and future draft picks for the promising big man.
In the wake of the failed trade, the Hornets have wasted no time in exploring their options. According to top insider Shams Charania, the franchise is in talks with the NBA to contest the Lakers’ assessment of Williams’ health. Following the rescindment of the trade, the Hornets publicly welcomed Williams back. But now, the underlying tension surrounding the situation suggests they believe they could dispute the Lakers’ findings.
“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 tweeted.
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
However, concerns arose due to Williams’ extensive injury history, having missed a considerable portion of games since being drafted. The Lakers seemed willing to take a chance on Williams’ potential alongside their newly acquired superstar, Luka Doncic, but that gamble came to a halt when serious issues were revealed during the physical.
Mark Williams Situation Has An Update From Lakers GM Rob Pelinka
The situation around Mark Williams and the Los Angeles Lakers has taken an intriguing turn. Unfortunately, the deal fell through when Williams failed his physical, things remain still as unclear.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Recently, General Manager Rob Pelinka has addressed the team’s pressing need for a frontcourt player. Especially in light of Anthony Davis’s absence and the challenge of facing off against top-tier talents like Luka Doncic.
Pelinka has been proactive in communicating the team’s intentions to strengthen their frontcourt options. He expressed optimism while hinting at a potential new development coming soon.
“Hopefully, we’ll have news to come in the next few days,” Pelinka recently said.
“Hopefully we’ll have news to come in the next few days” -Pelinka on potentially getting a big on Lakers Pregame via @SpectrumSN
— LakeShowScoop (@LakeShowScoop) February 11, 2025
While he didn’t provide specific details, his comments come as the Lakers continue to evaluate their roster and potentially explore other opportunities to acquire a big man. In the interim, the Lakers have made adjustments on the court, placing Jaxson Hayes in the starting center position.
Hayes has shown promise during his time on the floor, averaging 8.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in his last five games.
Also Read: Why Did The Los Angeles Lakers Cancel The Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht Trade? Find Out
