Mark Williams Returns to Charlotte, Dalton Knecht Returns to Los Angeles

Properly, issues are going to get just a little awkward after this. ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed that the commerce between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets, which concerned primarily the swapping of SF Dalton Knecht and C Mark Williams, respectively, has been rescinded.

Charania later confirmed that Williams’ bodily with the Lakers was problematic sufficient that he failed, although he added that Williams’ troublesome again was not why. That arguably might have made buying and selling for him probably worse.

Mark Williams’ bodily with the Lakers confirmed a number of points and the workforce failed him on the examination, sources inform ESPN. The bodily was not failed resulting from his again, nonetheless. https://t.co/lY4XrSIlHf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025

What Occurs to the Los Angeles Lakers’ Playoff Possibilities?

Whereas the Hornets received’t endure a lot from this commerce falling via, the Lakers are a unique story. They’ve title aspirations, which have been significantly aided by the acquisition of Luka Dončić. Nonetheless, buying and selling Anthony Davis for Dončić leaves a gap within the frontcourt that can’t be stuffed simply, to say the least.

Williams was purported to fill that gap, although he comes with the identical warts Davis did, if no more so. The Lakers have been scared off by his potential to be absent for much more video games. Their reasoning is justified, however as soon as their playoff run begins, an elephant will probably be within the room.

If and when the Lakers make the postseason, their beginning frontcourt, when it’s wholesome, will probably be Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wooden, Christian Koloko, and Maxi Kleber. They might strive enjoying Jarred Vanderbilt at middle to repair the issue. Nonetheless, it’s truthful to counsel that Nikola Jokic, Jaren Jackson Jr., and, positive sufficient, Davis won’t have a lot hassle tearing via these gamers if the Lakers come throughout these groups.

Now, the Lakers will seemingly flip to the buyout market to see who might assist most. Proper now, the most effective choices are Daniel Theis and Mo Bamba, although extra names will seemingly emerge as soon as the buyout deadline approaches.

Different gamers like former Laker Larry Nance Jr. might hit the market for the reason that Atlanta Hawks have seemingly signaled, however there have been no indications that they are going to purchase him out.

The Lakers will financial institution on Dončić and LeBron James carrying the load as soon as they begin their playoff run, however neither can play middle. In the event that they did, it wouldn’t assist that a lot. Maybe LA will suppose that the expertise these two behold on their very own will probably be sufficient to cowl for essentially the most vital flaw on their present roster, however their opponents will present no mercy within the playoffs.