Hornets' Mark Williams Speaks Out on Rescinded Trade and Lakers' Failed Physical

The Los Angeles Lakers have been at the forefront of the basketball world for at least the last handful of weeks.

That's nothing new, as the Lakers are a global brand, but this was for different reasons. The Lakers were in the spotlight for a multitude of reasons as we approached the trade deadline earlier this month.

L.A. pulled off the biggest and most stunning trade on Feb. 1 by acquiring international superstar Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for their former superstar center Anthony Davis.

While the acquisition of Dončić did wonders for their present and future, it left a big void at their center position. The Lakers were in desperate need of a big man, so the Charlotte Hornets offered their big man, 23-year-old Mark Williams, which the Lakers accepted.

For a minute, it appeared the Lakers had found their center for the present and the future to pair along with Dončić moving forward. However, that was short-lived, as the trade was rescinded due to a failed physical by Williams a few days after the trade was made official.

As the Lakers get ready to host the Hornets for the first and final time at Crypto.com Arean on Wednesday, Williams addressed the media for the first time and spoke on the rescinded trade and failed physical exam.

"I didn't think I had failed my physical. That didn't even cross my mind. The night I got traded I played hella minutes. I didn't think in any world that was possible. Since I've been back at the start of the year, I've played games with a lot of minutes. I feel like every injury I've had has been well-documented and I've recovered, and been 100% since. So, I don't know what went into that decision. I think that's up to them."

It is clear that Williams had no worries about his physical. He assumed things would've been fine and he would pass with flying colors. However, the Lakers did not like what they saw and backed off of the trade (for a good reason, we assume).

Williams has had durability issues throughout his young NBA career. He's missed significant time due to back and foot injuries.

Williams has missed 127 out of 212 (59.9 percent) possible games in his career. The Lakers knew the risk, but once they took a look under the hood, they did not want anything to do with the former Duke Blue Devil.

The Lakers are heavy favorites for tonight's matchup with a -12.5 spread.

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