Lakers-Hornets Trade Falls Through: What’s Next for L.A.?

In what was a memorable NBA trade deadline, one of the most shocking events was a trade that didn’t end up happening at all. On Saturday, the announced trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets featuring rookie Dalton Knecht and big man Mark Williams was rescinded. The trade was agreed upon by both sides on Wednesday. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that a failed physical from Williams ultimately led to the Lakers pulling out of the deal.

It’s a crushing blow for a Laker team that had a busy deadline. Of course, the team added Luka Doncic just a few days prior. Trading away All-NBA big man Anthony Davis left a clear void at center. The Lakers acted quickly — and at the reported request of Doncic — to add somebody who could be a lob threat and rim protector. They identified the 23-year-old Williams as a possible replacement.

Ultimately, the team doctors found something when examining Williams that led them to believe he would be too much of a long-term risk. The Hornets reportedly came to the Lakers with the initial offer. Williams has dealt with injuries throughout his three-year NBA career. Perhaps the Hornets figured they could snag a young player plus a draft pick before Williams’ stock completely plummeted. Williams had been playing up until the deadline but is now away from the team for an undisclosed reason.

For the Lakers, they will be welcoming Knecht and Cam Reddish back to the team. Knecht has posted decent numbers as a rookie — 9.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 46.5 FG%, 35.8 3PT% — but had hit a bit of a rough patch. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the near-trade, and how he fits into JJ Redick’s new rotation.

Center is still an obvious hole for a Lakers team hoping to contend. With the deadline already passed, they’ll have to deal with what they have and search the buyout market. Jaxson Hayes is the likely starter for now, with Christian Koloko as a reserve option. Christian Wood remains without a timetable to return and hasn’t played since last February. We could see Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt spend some time there against certain matchups. Even the 40-year-old LeBron James might have to guard a center or two until there’s a clear upgrade.

As far as buyout candidates, the pickings are rather slim. As a second-apron team, the Lakers are limited in the players they can potentially sign. The Spurs recently took one of the top targets, Bismack Biyombo, off the board. Daniel Theis is a name that’s been floated around, but he’s undersized and isn’t much of a rim protector. JaVale McGee, Damian Jones, and Mo Bamba are all former Lakers that are currently available.

The Lakers will give Hayes and Koloko the first opportunity, and will likely add a veteran at some point. Their best chance at upgrading the position will be in the offseason when more players become available. They will have plenty of options at that point who will want to come and play alongside Doncic and James. The trade being rescinded was a tough break, but the Lakers should be just fine after being gifted a 25-year-old superstar.