SI

Hornets Reached Out to NBA to Dispute Lakers Failed Physical of Mark Williams

L.A. rescinded their trade for the 23-year-old center after "multiple issues" came up during his physical.

Mike Kadlick

Mark Williams failed his physical after being traded from the Hornets to the Lakers.
Mark Williams failed his physical after being traded from the Hornets to the Lakers. / Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
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The trade deadline deal that sent Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers was rescinded on Saturday night due to "multiple issues" that came up during his physical in L.A. Three days later, Charlotte is looking for answers.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Hornets have been in contact with the NBA to "explore options to dispute the Los Angeles Lakers' failed physical assessment of Mark Williams."

"The Williams/Dalton Knecht trade was nixed Saturday," he continued. "And now Hornets weigh avenues to challenge."

Williams was looked upon as a potential long-term front-court answer for the Lakers after they traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the Luka Doncic trade. He's averaging a career-high 15.6 points and 2.5 assists this season while also bringing in 9.6 rebounds. The 23-year-old has, however, dealt with back issues—though that reportedly wasn't the reason for his failed physical.

"We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization," read a statement from the team following L.A.'s rescission. "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."

It's pretty difficult to believe them—considering they're now looking to dispute the failed physical and send him back to the West Coast.

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Mike Kadlick
MIKE KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the New England Patriots for WEEI sports radio in Boston and continues to do so for CLNS Media. He has a master's in public relations from Boston University. Kadlick is also an avid runner and a proud lover of all things pizza.

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