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Mark Williams vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In February 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers struck a trade for center Mark Williams. The 24-year-old center was seen as an ideal big man to pair with the recently acquired Luka Doncic.
However, after his medical examination, the Lakers opted to rescind the trade.
During a recent appearance on the “Old Man and the Three” podcast, Williams finally shared his side of that story and sent a strongly worded message to the Lakers front office in the process.
“They tell me [about the failed physical/rescinded trade],” Williams said. “I’m like, that can’t be, like, I just played the Bucks that night that I got the call I’m getting traded. I’m out here. They’re like, ‘Yeah, it’s done. Like, we’re not going back.’ I was like, y’all can’t undo the undo? Like, what you mean? They’re like, ‘No, it’s done.’”
Williams then continued by sharing his frustration with the situation and how everything unfolded.
“So I’m hot. Like, I was excited…I’m just like, ‘What the f–k?… Honestly, like, f–k y’all. …I was excited to go there. Thought I was, a piece that could really help them. Obviously, going into the playoffs, and then once they lost, obviously, I tweeted a little smiley face. Like, I was hating.”
Williams’ Agent Spoke On Lakers’ Decision
Shortly after the Lakers rescinded Williams’ trade, his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, issued a statement.
“The overwhelming sentiment, after conferring with multiple nationally recognized doctors, is that the Los Angeles Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical,” Schwartz said. “Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity.”
Williams saw out the remainder of the season with the Charlotte Hornets, playing in 44 regular-season games. He ended the basketball year with averages of 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists, shooting 60.4% from the field.
Williams Is Now Playing For The Phoenix Suns
With the Lakers’ situation now firmly in Williams’ rearview mirror, he’s pushed forward with his career. The rim-running big man was traded to the Phoenix Suns in June.
The trade saw Williams and a second-round pick head to Phoenix, with Vasa Micic, Liam McNeeley and a 2029 first-round pick heading to Charlotte.
“Mark combines imposing size and length with a valuable skill set of finishing ability, rim protection, tough rebounding and passing instincts,” Suns general manager Brian Gregory said. “He also plays with a tremendous motor and brings intangible qualities that fit our team identity. His addition bolsters us at the center position, and we are excited to welcome Mark to Phoenix.”
Williams has played 28 games for the Suns so far. He’s putting up 12.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
The Lakers, on the other hand, chose to pivot toward Deandre Ayton during the summer, who has been a reliable presence on the court for them. Therefore, the situation worked out well for all parties involved.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Williams still harbors some feelings about how Los Angeles handled everything. But in truth, that’s to be expected.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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