The Los Angeles Lakers appear determined to reshape their roster in hopes of reclaiming their dominance. Following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Los Angeles made another surprising move. They agreed to trade Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a 2031 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams.
However, the deal has now been rescinded. The Lakers decided to cancel the trade. It came after the Hornets failed to meet one of the conditions set in the agreement. One of the key reasons for the trade’s collapse was Mark Williams’ failed physical exam.
The Lakers just cancelled the Williams-Knecht trade due to the Hornets’ “not satisfying one of the conditions of the trade”
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 9, 2025
The trade has been vetoed by LA. INSANE. pic.twitter.com/ATzeeMwE32
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, multiple issues were detected during the medical evaluation, though the 23-year-old center’s back was not among the concerns. Williams has appeared in just 84 games across three NBA seasons. This season, he has played 23 games, averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His injury history may have been a red flag for the Lakers.
On the other hand, Dalton Knecht has been averaging 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. Since the trade was voided before any of the players could debut for their new teams, Knecht and Reddish will now return to the Lakers, while Williams remains with the Hornets.
Rob Pelinka Wasn’t Initially Concerned Over Mark Williams’ Injury History
Following the trade attempt, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka addressed concerns about Mark Williams’ injury history. On Thursday, he claimed that the team was not initially worried about his past health issues.
“He’s had no surgeries. So these are just parts of he’s still growing into his body. We vetted the injuries he’s had, and we’re not concerned about those. We will have a chance to have a physical and continue to do a deep dive and make sure that what we’ve talked about and seen in the EMRs, we’re confident,” Pelinka said.
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The Lakers initially envisioned Williams as their long-term starting center alongside Doncic. However, after reviewing his medical history, they no longer believe he can stay healthy for the role in the coming years.
