It’s been over a month already since Mark Williams’ move to LA collapsed.
Following the groundbreaking Luka Doncic deal, the Los Angeles Lakers delivered another major swing by trading for Mark Williams, sending a package of Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets.
This was the move the Lakers needed to complete their roster. With Anthony Davis leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, the big man was identified as the team’s newest center of the future with his size and potential.
Luka Doncic himself even recommended WIlliams, and legendary Laker Magic Johnson expressed delight over Williams’ entry to the purple and gold.
Yet after three days, everyone was stunned when the Lakers rescinded the trade, flagging Williams for an undisclosed medical condition. It sparked tons of reaction across the league, with Paul George expressing relief the Lakers were not going to get even scarier.
Williams didn’t hide his frustration and disappointment about his trade fallout to Los Angeles.
It took days for the 23-year-old to process how the Lakers denied his joining at their side. And ironically, in his first game back as a Hornet since the controversial voided trade, he faced LA and made it sure to clarify that he’s healthy and could have helped the franchise.
Amid the turn of events at his side, Williams now revealed that he is finally at peace already.
“That was definitely a crazy time for me, but I think I’m past it,” Williams told The Charlotte Observer. “Just trying to play the season out as hard as I can and dominate.
“I don’t think it does me any good to continue to harp on that situation.”
And about his team’s support for him: “Yeah, it’s been great. Obviously, my teammates have been super supportive. My teammates, it’s obviously going to be easy with them. It’s not like they are the ones in front offices or anything.
“I would say being around them always makes it easier. Coaches, and then my people around me, like my family.”
Since he rejoined the Hornets, Williams has been balling out as the main center of the team. In his past 10 games, he is averaging 15.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He is shooting a consistent 61.8 percent from the field.
Charles Lee was beyond impressed about the level of response Williams provided for Charlotte after the failed trade. And until today, he remains ecstatic about how the former Duke star handled all the things professionally for the Hornets’ benefit.
“In terms of his spirit, his spirit has always been in a good place,” the Hornets coach said about Williams. “Mark, he’s just got a great way about him.
“I think he’s just very realistic about what’s going on. I think he’s built great relationships with everybody in this organization. So, no matter what has happened, he’s above that.
“He’s an adult about a lot of situations, which is what you love about him. So, his spirit is always in a good place.”
As the Hornets have embraced him back with open arms, Williams can only do whatever way he can to help the franchise establish itself for years to come.
