The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Mark Williams at the 2025 deadline, but a failed physical killed the deal. The two teams were unable to amend their agreement because the deadline had passed. The trade was just off. Instead, Williams was dealt to Phoenix, and the 24-year-old big man is living an absolute playoff nightmare. He keeps being listed as questionable with a foot injury before being ruled out just before tipoff.
Williams is proving the Lakers right. LA had injury concerns, and they are becoming reality at the worst possible time. The 7’1 big man missed 15 consecutive games with a foot injury near the end of the regular season. He returned for four games and the first Play-In contest before being forced to the sidelines again.
Williams has now missed three straight games, including the first two of the Suns' first-round playoff series against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Phoenix needs the big man to have any chance at an upset, but Williams is living his worst-case scenario.
Mark Williams continues to live a playoff nightmare with rival Suns
Williams was shocked that he failed the Lakers physical. He thought he was healthy and was eager to join a contender. The 24-year-old failed to qualify for the playoffs in his first three seasons with Charlotte. The Suns qualified, but Williams isn’t healthy enough to play.
He played a career-high 60 games this season. The Suns managed his minutes and did everything possible to keep him healthy, which makes this late-season injury even more frustrating. Williams never played more than 44 games in a season before this year. Injuries have been a problem throughout his NBA career. Just when it looked like things were looking up, another frustrating injury popped up.
This is a stress reaction in his foot. The Suns keep listing him as questionable coming into each game, so there has to be some hope he may be able to play. Clearly, Williams is just not healthy enough to be active. Phoenix needs him. Sadly, foot injuries for big men can be an ongoing issue.
The Lakers have feel vindicated for their decision to call off this trade. Los Angeles has Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out for their playoff series against the Rockets. They don’t need anyone else on the sidelines.
The Lakers are still searching for their long-term center option to pair with number 77. Williams was supposed to be that player, but it didn’t happen. LA was worried about his injuries, which popped back up at the worst possible time. It was the right move, even if it was painful.
The Los Angeles Lakers are watching Mark Williams live a nightmare. He was on the verge of getting his first playoff experience on a team that overachieved this season. Everything was looking up before this foot injury. Now, all he can do is hope it heals enough to get him on the floor before the Suns are eliminated. Williams has to be frustrated, and Lakers fans certainly feel that pain with their two stars out. Hopefully, all three players return before the first round is over.
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