Being put in an awkward position, the Charlotte Hornets’ centre Mark Williams’ plan to play side by side with four-time NBA champion, LeBron James was shut down by the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade was rejected, and the Lakers have no starting centre player. How will this player structure affect them in the positioning of the 2025 NBA playoffs? The opportunity to play with the Lakers, was on the table for Williams, however filling in the shoes of recently traded, Anthony Davis may be too much for Williams right now.
The rejected trade: why Williams was sent back
Los Angeles Lakers’ agreed to trade Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish to get the former first pick, Mark Williams. The trade with Charlott Hornets, aimed to fill in Anthony Davis’s front centre position as he was traded to Dallas Mavericks along with Max Christie. The trade requirements included the Charlotte Hornets’ receiving the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2021.
According to a knowledgeable anonymous source, The Associated Press was made known that the justification of the trade not happening with the Los Angeles Lakers rejecting Hornet’s Mark Williams it is due to his failed physical test. Williams has had a lengthy injury history and only played 84 games out of possibly 212 NBA games over the last three seasons.
Writing a statement on social media, the Hornets said “We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization … After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic and character. We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position…”
They further say, “…His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.” According to the ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hornets have been discussing with the NBA for way to debunk Williams failed physical assessment from the Lakers. There has been no resolution on this matter as yet.
Hornets’ Mark Williams: stats and awards
Averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for the Hornets in the current season, Mark Williams was selected as the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NBA drafts. Being a great potential to play alongside Luka Dončić in the Los Angeles Lakers, Mark Williams was going to replace Anthony Davis at centre position, until he was rejected. Honouring his great plays, the NBA player has been selected as a winner of the fourth annual Rick Bonnell Award.
No trade? Where does that leave the Lakers?
Still looking for a star player to replace Anthony Davis, many may wonder how the Lakers are performing. Despite missing players in the roster, The Los Angeles Lakers recently won 124-117 against Indiana Hoosiers without the presence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Joining star players, backup centre Trey Jemison III has recently joined the Lakers, allowing Jaxson Hayes to take a break from time to time.
The Lakers have been playing matches for an entire season without their player, Christian Wood, due to knee surgery. More players missing on the roster, as dynamic shooter, Knecht and Reddick have taken time out. Although the backup players are easing out the player stress, Jemison and Christian Koloko are on two-way contracts meaning that they won’t be able to play in the playoffs.
Finding a replacement for a strong player such as Anthony Davis with the starting centre position is a difficult task that has resulted with Charlotte Hornets’ Mark Williams given the rejection card after a physical test failure. Although the reason for the rejection was to be kept among the team’s conversations, the star is put in an awkward position from being rejected and having to come back to the Charlotte Hornets. With the search still continuing, who do you think will fill in the space of Anthony Davis?
