Lakers News: GM Rob Pelinka Addressed the Failed Trade For Mark Williams; Reveals Next Step

The Los Angeles Lakers almost acquired big man Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets before the NBA Trade Deadline.

In exchange, the Lakers were supposed to give up rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish.

The Los Angeles team would have also sent draft picks for the big man.

However, the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical, which showed multiple issues according to ESPNs Shams Charania .

Now that they dont have a big man who can accommodate the talent of Luka Doncic, general manager Rob Pelinka addressed the issue.

According to Pelinka, the front office is working to add a frontcourt player to fill the void left by Anthony Davis.

Hopefully well have news to come in the next few days, Pelinka said.

Hopefully well have news to come in the next few days -Pelinka on potentially getting a big on Lakers Pregame via @SpectrumSN LakeShowScoop (@LakeShowScoop) February 11, 2025 Pelinka wasnt clear with his words regarding the teams needs.

However, his comments came after Charania gave an update about the recently rescinded trade.

According to the NBA Insider, the Hornets reportedly reached out to the NBA to dispute the failed physical assessment of Williams.

The Charlotte Hornets have been in contact with the NBA as they explore options to dispute the Los Angeles Lakers failed physical assessment of Mark Williams, sources tell ESPN.

The Williams/Dalton Knecht trade was nixed Saturday, and now Hornets weigh avenues to challenge, Charania reported on Monday.

The Charlotte Hornets have been in contact with the NBA as they explore options to dispute the Los Angeles Lakers' failed physical assessment of Mark Williams, sources tell ESPN.

The Williams/Dalton Knecht trade was nixed Saturday, and now Hornets weigh avenues to challenge.

Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2025 For now, the Purple & Gold have put 7-foot big man Jaxson Hayes as the starting center.

The big man has started in the last five games, averaging 8.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 24.9 minutes.

NBA Insider pointed out that the Lakers are prioritizing Luka Doncic s suggestions Even though Luka Doncic has only been with the Lakers for a month, the front staff has listened to his proposal.

The organization inquired about the 25-year-old stars preferred big man after acquiring him.

The unsuccessful transaction with Williams resulted from this.

Despite its failure, the group nevertheless tried to meet Doncics requirements.

ESPNs Dave McMenamin pointed out that the team is more attentive to Doncics trade suggestion than LeBron James.

What is clear is that Doncic will have a say.

And it wasnt lost on James camp, sources said, that Pelinka prioritized Doncics involvement upon his arrival and immediately engaged in the Williams trade that hed asked for, when James had for years wanted the team to trade its picks to improve its roster, McMenamin reported.

New story: Inside the most chaotic, transformational trade deadline in Lakers history https://t.co/KpFO55jvck Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 10, 2025 Despite this, James has been receptive and welcoming of Doncic.

The 22-year veteran is excited to play alongside the young Slovenian sensation..

This article has been shared from the original article on yardbarker, here is the link to the original article.