Lakers’ Blockbuster Trade Fizzles, Leaving Center Question Unresolved

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers stunned fans and analysts alike earlier this week when they traded for center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, only to rescind the deal shortly after due to health concerns. The move leaves the Lakers scrambling to fill their starting center position just hours after the NBA trade deadline closed.

Just days ago, the Lakers seemed poised to elevate their chances of contending this postseason. They agreed to send rookie guard Jalen Knecht and a 2029 first-round pick to the Hornets for a player considered to be a franchise cornerstone. However, upon reviewing Williams’ medical records when he reported for his physical, the Lakers discovered multiple health issues—none related to a back injury that had sidelined him last season—that ultimately led to the cancellation of the trade.

“We fully vetted Williams’ health stuff,” says Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager. “He’s had no surgeries. So these are just parts of him still growing into his body. We vetted the injuries he’s had, and we’re not concerned about those.”

Despite these assurances, the health concerns surrounding Williams resulted in the Lakers negotiating in reverse. The team now finds itself with only career backup center Reddish as a starting option, while also contending with the impending return of Knecht.

The failure to complete this trade casts a shadow on what was initially described as an “aggressive” approach by the Lakers during a chaotic week leading up to the trade deadline. With star players LeBron James and Luka Doncic now at the forefront of the team, every decision taken—particularly ones involving roster adjustments—holds immense weight.

James’ 22nd season is ticking away, and with the Lakers languishing in a crowded playoff picture, the inability to secure a capable starting center could hinder their postseason prospects. Meanwhile, star guard Doncic is looking to establish himself as a leader on a new team.

“It’s a major role for us to keep winning, especially with the injuries we’ve faced,” said James following a recent win. “The team has to stay accountable and play basketball the right way.”

With the trade deadline now closed, the Lakers are left with limited options. Team sources indicate that Pelinka could consider waiving Reddish or Wood, both of whom have struggled this season, to open a spot for another center before the playoffs.

“The Lakers can still waive someone to create a roster vacancy to bring in another center,” said ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Right now, that moves us back into a tough spot.”

Williams, 23, was brought in to provide a crucial post presence and lob threat, preferably to support a front line that goes against tough competition in the postseason. However, Williams’ uncertainty now forces the Lakers to rethink their strategy, especially with James sharing his concerns about the overall construction of their roster.

“It was a lot to give up for just a trade that didn’t end up happening,” said one team source, noting that the organization managed to dodge a bullet in the process. “We’ve got to keep our eyes on Doncic and find a way to make sure he’s happy moving forward.”

As the franchise grapples with this setback, the need for a center remains critical. Those within the organization are already exploring potential buyout players who could fill this gap, anticipating new challenges as the season progresses. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for both immediate improvements and future planning for the Lakers as they work to meet the expectations surrounding their star-studded roster.

“We will find another center path,” a team source assured. “The path is always there. We just got to put in the work to find it.”