Lakers-Hornets Mark Williams deal falls through after center fails physical: Sources
The Los Angeles Lakers' trade for center Mark Williams has been 'rescinded' because of the Charlotte Hornets' 'failure to satisfy a condition of the trade,' the Lakers announced Saturday night. Williams failed his physical, team sources confirmed. ESPN first reported the news.
The Lakers had agreed to trade Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap in exchange for Williams on Wednesday, Feb. 5. But with the deal voided, the players and picks will return to their original teams.
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This is a massive blow for the Lakers, as Jaxson Hayes is the only available center on their 15-man roster. While he's played well recently as a spot starter, he's closer to being a fringe rotation player than a starting center on a team with championship aspirations.
Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka had said that the newly acquired Luka Dončić was on board with the Williams addition, as Pelinka and Dončić discussed the type of center he wanted to play with shortly after the deal.
Pelinka had also clarified that the Lakers had cross-referenced Williams' medical records with the team's doctor, Dr. LeRoy Sims, and Dr. Khris Jones from UCLA.
The Lakers clearly have a gaping hole in the middle again — one they'll only be able to plug via the buyout market, free agency, their two-way players or the G League.
Los Angeles now has 15 players on its roster again, meaning the team will have to waive a player to create an opening. The Lakers are $1.6 million under the second apron.
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