BREAKING NEWS: Update emerges on Lakers-Hornets trade controversy

Rob Pelinka at a press conference

The Charlotte Hornets are not sitting idly after the Los Angeles Lakers nixed the deadline deal between the two teams.

The Lakers and Hornets initially agreed to a trade to send center Mark Williams to Los Angeles. Full details on the original Lakers-Hornets deal can be found here.

But on Saturday, the trade was rescinded after the Lakers’ medical staff identified “multiple issues” during Williams’ physical examination.

The Hornets have reportedly been in contact with the NBA since the Lakers rescinded the deal. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Charlotte is “exploring options to dispute” the Lakers’ medical assessment of Williams.

Williams has dealt with a myriad of injuries throughout his two-and-a-half seasons in the NBA. The 23-year-old missed 102 out of 164 games in his first two years in Charlotte. A lower back injury forced him all but 19 games during his second year.

This season, the Duke product has played in fewer than half of the Hornets’ first 50 games. A foot injury kept Williams sidelined for 20 contests.

Considering the Lakers’ dire need for a center after trading away Anthony Davis, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles would back out of the deal unless they spotted legitimate concerns with Williams’ long-term health. Fans also worried that the reneged deal would affect the vibe in the Lakers’ locker room.

The Lakers reportedly pursued Williams at Luka Doncic’s request. While the deal would have benefitted both Doncic and LeBron James, the King’s camp may not have been totally happy with how it went down.

Related Posts

BAY AREA BREAKDOWN: Warriors crush the Bulls in a statement win that exposes a shocking trend hiding beneath the box score, raising brutal questions about who’s rising and who’s falling apart. One thing’s crystal clear—this shift could reshape the entire season..ll

A shorthanded Warriors squad dominated the Bulls on the road, revealing a surprising trend that could shape their season.

How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves — Live from San Francisco on December 13, 2025..ll

Fans won’t want to miss the showdown at Chase Center as the Golden State Warriors host the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 13, 2025. With both teams battling…

Warriors vs. Timberwolves in San Francisco — Form, Head-to-Head & Key Storylines Ahead of Dec. 13, 2025..ll

Warriors vs. Timberwolves in San Francisco — Form, Head-to-Head & Key Storylines Ahead of Dec. 13, 2025 On December 13, 2025, Chase Center will heat up as…

Breaking!! New details about a potential Lakers trade target’s cost are raising big questions in Los Angeles

Lakers’ Trade Deadline Target Gets Surprising New Update on Cost The Los Angeles Lakers are still waiting for the Miami Heat to soften their stance on former…

Report: Luka Dončić Has a Surprising Trade Target in Mind for the Lakers

Luka Dončić Has a Bold Trade Target for Lakers… Luka Dončić has quickly become the new face of the Los Angeles Lakers, and his influence across the franchise may…

REPORT: Lakerѕ’ Trade Deadlіne Target Getѕ Surрrіѕіng New Uрdate on Coѕt

The Loѕ Angeleѕ Lakerѕ are ѕtіll waіtіng for the Mіamі Heat to ѕoften theіr ѕtance on former All-ѕtar Andrew Wіggіnѕ, but the lateѕt reрortіng ѕuggeѕtѕ lіttle рrogreѕѕ haѕ been made. Accordіng to NBA іnѕіder…