Why the Lakers’ Trade for Charlotte’s Mark Williams Fell Through: A Look at the Failed Physical

The Lakers recently had to cancel their trade for center Mark Williams. This decision came after Williams failed his physical exam with the team, according to sources close to the situation.

Initially, the Lakers had agreed to send Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Williams. But since the trade did not meet all conditions, the players are returning to their original teams.

As a result, the Lakers now have Jaxson Hayes as their only center on the roster. They had aimed to pair Williams, known for his significant height and skill, with newly acquired star Luka Doncic. Now, with the trade process over, the Lakers have a complete roster of 15 players.

Interestingly, none of the players traded had even begun playing for their new teams. Williams, who has spent time on the bench due to ankle, back, and knee injuries, has played just 85 games since being picked by the Hornets in 2022. This injury history raised concerns about his long-term health among other teams, especially after the trade announcement.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka had previously stated the team was not worried about Williams’ past injuries, saying they planned to thoroughly evaluate his health during a physical exam. However, with this trade now off the table, it seems the Lakers will continue to manage their roster with Hayes as their main center.

Despite this setback, the Hornets expressed their excitement about getting Williams back, recognizing his talent and dedication to the game. Williams had even set up a locker with the Lakers, but it remained empty as the trade was finalized.

In the meantime, Hayes has been performing decently, averaging 8.0 points and 6.6 rebounds in his recent games.