After the Los Angeles Lakers were involved in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, they were involved in a far more intriguing debacle, one of the stranger situations we have seen in quite some time.
After sending Dalton Knecht and picks to the Charlotte Hornets for big man Mark Williams, the Lakers ended up failing his physical and sending the talented center back east.
It was odd, but on the surface seemed legitimate as Williams has had injury issues since being drafted into the NBA. In his 3 years in the league, he has never played a full season. He played 43 games his rookie year, and just 19 games last season. He has already missed time this season appearing in just 24 games. That brings his total to just 86 games played in two and a half seasons.
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So like I said, it is easy to see that he could have failed a physical, thus voiding the trade.
However, as new details emerge, that seems less like the truth.
Did the Lakers simply have buyer’s remorse?
Did The Los Angeles Lakers Purposely Fail Mark Williams’ Physical?
Since the trade was rescinded, the Hornets have come out and said that Williams was plenty healthy to pass a physical. An investigation was even launched to look into the matter.
Now Williams’ agent has come out and voiced his opinion on the situation. In a statement, he said:
“The overwhelming sentiment, after conferring with multiple, nationally recognized doctors, is that the Los Angeles Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical. Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity.”
Did the Lakers find something that no other doctor has found? Did GM Rob Pelinka pull off the trade without the approval of the rest of the front office, so they found a way to get out of it? Can the Lakers receive any punishment if the failed physical is deemed not legitimate?
Right now there are more questions than answers.
This story will probably get murkier before we have a clear resolution.
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What adds to the drama is that the Lakers faced off against the Hornets and Williams last night. The Hornets got the better of the Purple and Gold 100-97 after LeBron James failed to convert two 3-point attempts at the end of regulation.
Mark Williams played 29 minutes and finished with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Dalton Knecht returned to the Lakers lineup and played 13 minutes, notching 3 points and 5 rebounds.