The LA Lakers final trade before the deadline was cancelled, after complications emerged.
Regrettably for all involved, the LA Lakers and Charlotte Hornets trade was voided, due to concerns flagged by the Lakers on Mark Williams’ physical.
The Charlotte Hornets issued a statement welcoming Mark Williams back, while LA will get Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and their 2031 pick swap back.
Giving up Knecht had disappointed Lakers fans – now they get him back, but the team is missing a center.
This could be a major problem for the rest of this season after Anthony Davis was traded, with the team acquiring Luka Doncic.
Moving for Williams was a deal made to appease Doncic, and the Lakers gave up most of their tradeable assets to get him.
Now they get them back – outside the trade deadline when it is too late to do anything about it.
ESPN trade expert Bobby Marks believes that long-term, the LA Lakers might end up being pleased the trade was voided.
He explains that the Lakers gave up too much, explaining that essentially they gave up two first round picks, with Dalton Knecht taken 17th in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Marks said: “I do think the Lakers catch a little bit of a break here, because this price was rich. I do think it was a little bit of a knee-jerk reaction to basically going out and getting Luka.
“You were getting a center for the price of two, basically two first round picks. One was a swap [2031] and Dalton Knecht for Mark Williams, was extremely, extremely rich.
“I know it might hurt them this year for the rest of the season, but I do think there will be better opportunities when we get into the off season here.”
Elaborating further, Marks said: “When you look at the expiring contracts of Hachimura, the expiring contract of Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves will have a player option for the following year, he’s also extension eligible. Now you get your first round pick back, your swap, you’ll be able to do a lot more when maybe somebody else that becomes available. I don’t know who that is right now, but that’s the reality of it.”
The Lakers could still make an addition, but it is unlikely there is a major difference-maker available with the buyout route, especially at a cost-effective salary.
Marks adds: “For short term here, the Lakers are at 15 players under contract. They’re $1.7 million below the second apron they’ve got, they would have to waive a player to sign a player.
“They can certainly waive Christian Wood, if they want, and go out and sign a player, or Cam Reddish, in that realm and do that, [but] I would caution the buyout market.
“The buyout market is the one of the most over inflated, exaggerated things we talk about in the NBA.”
Lakers fans have debated whether it is possible to move LeBron James to center. JJ Redick has a decision to make, with James and Doncic expected to feature against Utah on Monday night.
This was an unexpected blow, with Williams in attendance for the Lakers win over the Pacers. Now he is returning to Charlotte.
