The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Mark Williams before the deadline. They wanted a big man to pair with Luka Doncic but struggled to find a workable deal. The Hornets called offering Williams. It seemed like the ideal fit but was too good to be true.
The trade was rescinded on Saturday evening. Shams Charania reported Mark Williams failed his physical with the Lakers based on multiple issues. The deal is completely off because the trade deadline passed on Thursday at noon PT. Knecht and Cam Reddish will head back to the Lakers along with their draft capital.
Fans who believed LA overpaid had to be ecstatic, but it means Williams heads back to Charlotte. The Lakers made the deal and paid a hefty price to keep their new superstar happy. Now, the franchise is left without something they desperately need.
Lakers left without a big man for Luka Doncic with Mark Williams trade canceled
Jaxson Hayes has been starting at center, and the Lakers are going small in the second unit. Anthony Davis was their primary big man before being shipped to Dallas in the Doncic trade. Davis and Doncic both wanted the front office to add a big man. Rob Pelinka thought he had before this trade was called off.
Williams has struggled on defense, but was the ideal lob target and roll man for Luka. Now, number 77 is left without the option that unlocks his offensive game. Fans knew Williams had missed significant time with the Hornets since being drafted, but his injuries were clearly worse than the Lakers brass thought.
LA has 15 players under contract but is $1.6 million below the second apron. They could sign a big man in the buyout market. The Lakers are over the first apron, which limits them to players making less than $12.8 million before being let go by their current team. Can they find a center that fits? There will be no shortage of interest, especially with little competition for minutes and the reward of being fed lobs from Luka.
This is a must-find for the Lakers if they want to compete for a championship in 2025. They have won five straight and just traded for a superstar. LeBron James is 40 years old. There is no time to waste with this core. Los Angeles should be looking for the ideal fit as you read this.
If they can't make a move, the Lakers will be forced to play Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jarred Vanderbilt the backup minutes at the five. It is not ideal, but will have to work for the remainder of the season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have their 2031 first-round draft pick and two swaps available this offseason to package with Dalton Knecht to chase a big man. It figures to be the top priority for Rob Pelinka and the front office as they attempt to build around Luka Doncic. The Lakers are not afraid to take a swing. Expect them to land a big man somehow and quickly have a contending roster around number 77. Excited days are ahead, so stay tuned.