Hornets contact NBA in effort to dispute nullified Lakers' Mark Williams trade
Share and Follow

The Hornets are seemingly not going down without a fight.

After the Lakers rescinded their trade to acquire center Mark Williams from Charlotte on Saturday due to a failed physical, the Hornets are reportedly in contact with the league on the matter, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday night.

The Hornets want to explore options with the NBA on disputing the Lakers’ failed assessment of the center, who they wanted to fill their Anthony Davis void after he was traded to the Mavericks in a three-team blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic.

In the deal, Charlotte would have acquired rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish while giving away Williams, who is a third-year center and a former first-round 2022 draft pick.

The Hornets also were set to receive the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2031 and a first-round pick swap in 2030.

“We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization,” the Hornets wrote in a statement on social media. “After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic and character. We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.”

The Lakers, No. 5 in the West, seemingly pumped the brakes after learning more about Williams’ physical health and he is a player that does come with a lengthy injury history.

The Duke alum has only played 84 of a possible 212 NBA games across his three seasons with the Hornets, who drafted him 15th overall, due to mainly back problems among other ailments.

This season he is nearly averaging a double-double — 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds — while shooting 58 percent from the field across 23 contests.

There were no initial concerns over the deal as fellow Duke alum and Lakers coach JJ Redick was already familiar with Williams, who went to the coach for advice just a few years back.

“Just feel like he’s a really good fit now, and he’s a really good fit for the future,” Redick said of Williams on Thursday night.

Without the deal, the Lakers are left without a big man to partner up with Jaxson Hayes, who was likely to move to the bench upon Williams’ arrival in La La Land.

However, the team has won nine of their last 10 games and hold a five-game winning streak going into Monday night’s matchup against the Jazz.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Sex drugs stashed in bathrooms' at party photo of Andrew was taken at

Revealed: The Scandalous Secrets Behind the Party Photo of Prince Andrew – Sex Drugs Found in Bathrooms

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with his usual flair for drama and self-assurance, once dismissed…
Former Hamas hostage warned Australian leaders about dangers of antisemitism months before Bondi Beach attack

Ex-Hamas Captive Alerted Aussie Officials to Antisemitism Risks Before Bondi Beach Incident

Earlier in the year, a former Hamas hostage, Eli Sharabi, raised a…
Last-minute gifts? Sol de Janeiro bestsellers are on sale for Super Saturday

Shop Last-Minute Gifts: Top Sol de Janeiro Bestsellers Discounted for Super Saturday

Page Six may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you…
Inside former Prince Andrew's humiliating last Royal Lodge Christmas

Former Prince Andrew Faces Humiliation During Final Christmas at Royal Lodge

Battling the relentless downpour and the biting winds of fate, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor…
Substitute teacher arrested after encouraging kids to fight at Duval County middle school, police say

Duval County Substitute Teacher Faces Arrest for Allegedly Promoting Student Fights

A 29-year-old woman named Ladejah Shaw is facing several charges after allegedly…
Bill Clinton's sassy Trump comeback after Epstein files release

Bill Clinton’s Sharp Retort to Trump Amidst Epstein File Revelations: A Must-Read Exchange

Former President Bill Clinton offered a cheeky retort aimed at Donald Trump…
Charlie Kirk fans pose for selfies at recreation of murder location

Controversy Erupts as Charlie Kirk Fans Turn Crime Scene into Selfie Spot

Supporters of Charlie Kirk have been capturing selfies at what seems to…
Sick new details about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes revealed after DOJ releases files from unsealed grand jury materials

Newly Unsealed Grand Jury Documents Unveil Disturbing Details of Jeffrey Epstein’s Crimes

Recent documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice shed light on…