Luka Doncic reportedly identified Mark Williams from a list of potential center options and handpicked him to join the Lakers.
The Mark Williams trade saga has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. The Los Angeles Lakers traded Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 first-round pick-swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets to land the young big man. However, a failed medical from Williams forced the trade to be rescinded, thus leaving the Lakers strapped at the center position.
Well, one Lakers player will be more upset than others about the trade falling apart. According to Dave McMenamin, the Los Angeles Lakers offered Luka Doncic a list of center options upon arrival. And Doncic handpicked Mark Williams out of the list for the Lakers to trade for. However, after the trade was rescinded, Doncic was understanding of the situation.
“Williams was a guy that Luka Doncic, when the Lakers brought some names to him that they could potentially pursue at center, he signed off on that name, he handpicked it. So after they rescinded the trade, I’m told by my sources, they explained to Luka why they had to do it and he understood it.”
There is no concrete information as to what caused the trade to be rescinded. The Lakers relayed to official channels that the trade was conditional, and one of the conditions were not met. Many are speculating that one of the conditions was a successful medical, with Williams was not able to complete, thus leading to the trade being rescinded.
The Charlotte Hornets put out a statement welcoming Williams back. Meanwhile, the Lakers will have to figure out a way to adapt without a starting-quality center for the rest of the season. This significantly impacts the Lakers’ chances at an NBA championship, as it is nearly impossible to compete with the best teams in the West without a competent big.
Williams Trade Is Very Confusing.
