After the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets rescinded a trade due to center Mark Williams failing his physical, Williams has not rejoined the Hornets.

The situation has drawn attention and prompted discussions within the NBA regarding potential changes to the medical evaluation process for trades.

Unlike Dalton Knecht, who resumed playing for the Lakers immediately, Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer reported that Williams has yet to report back to the Hornets.

“Unlike Dalton Knecht, who saw action Wednesday night against the Jazz in Utah after not playing on Monday despite being active for Luka Doncic’s Los Angeles debut, Williams remained away, undoubtedly to give the 7-footer more time to mentally process the whirlwind,” Boone wrote.

The Hornets are reportedly in touch with the NBA, seeking clarity on any possible actions they can take following the trade fallout.

While Silver spoke to reporters at his 2025 NBA All-Star Commissioner’s press conference on Saturday, he clarified that the Hornets had not filed a protest of the trade. “Charlotte has not filed a protest of any kind,” Silver said.

Scott Kinser-Imagn Images Scott Kinser-Imagn Images The Lakers were motivated to pair Luka Doncic with a lob threat capable of protecting the rim.

Williams, averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 23 games this season, is a young big man who intrigued the Lakers for these reasons.

However, Los Angeles will have to get by with Jaxson Hayes as its starter before navigating the market this summer.

Silver does not recall a trade protest being filed over a failed physical after a deal has been voided.

He hinted at the subjectivity that goes into medical evaluation as an element that tends to make these situations complicated. ”

I can’t even remember, and certainly, I don’t think in my tenure a trade has ever-there’s never been a challenge because a player has failed a physical, but almost by definition, you get into a certain level of subjectivity in where that standard is,” Silver said.

Acknowledging advancements in medical science, Silver indicated that the NBA might review its standards for trade-related physicals.

“We’ll look at it,” Silver remarked. “I’d say it’s one of those areas when it comes to the health and well-being of our players, medical science, there have been incredible developments, and this is a rule sort of as interpreted now, hasn’t changed for many decades at the league office.”

The situation remains unresolved as the Hornets prepare for their game against the Lakers on February 19 in Los Angeles, which will be played after the All-Star break.