Feb 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) lays in the basket over Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images The Hornets have reached out to the NBA to challenge the Lakers’ failed physical assessment of Mark Williams, ESPN reported Monday night, with the big man now back in Charlotte after a trade with Los Angeles fell through.
Williams was originally sent out to the West Coast last week for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a pick swap in 2030 and the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick, but the trade ended up being voided after the deadline because of Williams’ failed physical.
Now the Hornets are trying to decipher what Los Angeles’ evaluation process was while also trying to work with the league office to determine different courses of action that potentially could be taken, per ESPN’s report.
In three seasons with Charlotte, Williams has been limited to 85 games (56 starts) due to injuries.
The Hornets issued a statement on Saturday night stating that they were “excited” to bring Williams back into the fold. They also called the decision to trade him a difficult one.
Williams, 23, is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this season, better than his career marks of 11.6, 8.3 and 1.1, respectively.
–Field Level Media
