The Lakers made a big move by trading rookie guard Dalton Knecht, forward Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to get Mark Williams.
They made this move after Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. Both trades shocked the NBA community.
But just two days later, the Lakers pulled out of the deal. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Williams didn’t fail the physical because of his back, but other issues were serious enough for the Lakers to back out. This was a tough move for Williams’ career.
Mark Williams stayed silent about it for a week. Finally, today, he talked about the rescinded trade in an interview, expressing his shock over the Lakers’ decision.
Mark Williams speaks about the Lakers trade, says he doesn’t think he failed physical pic.twitter.com/31tkQzTwJ8
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) February 19, 2025
The 23-year-old said, “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 since the start of the year, I’ve played games with a lot of minutes.”
He added, “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.”
Fans speak out on Mark Williams’ late confession
According to the Lakers’ statement, the trade was canceled due to concerns about the player’s physical condition. This decision hurt his fame, as many fans started doubting whether he was fit to play for a team like the Lakers.
Because of this, some believe Mark Williams is now trying to prove himself and quiet the critics through the statement, hoping to reduce the damage caused by the trade cancellation.
@AAyooV said, “Man he wanted to be here.”
Man he wanted to be here
— Ayooo (@AAyooV) February 19, 2025
@TX_hodler noted, “Man he knows he damaged goods. But wants to be on a winner lmao.”
Man he knows he damaged goods. But wants to be on a winner lmao.
— Not Poor Just Pre-Rich (@TX_hodler) February 19, 2025
@david_kenah shared, “Sounds like he’s hiding something.”
Sounds like he’s hiding something.
— David Kenah (@david_kenah) February 19, 2025
@Freshgames223 wrote, “I trust our new staff he wasn’t ready I don’t Believe nothing he’s saying fr.”
@BeAmazed90 said, “Bro thinks it’s a Big trade like luka 🤣.”
Bro thinks it's a Big trade like luka 🤣
— Be Amazed (@BeAmazed90) February 19, 2025
@LoveTheOrange1 commented, “So what happened then? The Lakers pussied out of a deal for buyers remorse? Cmon man.”
So what happened then? The Lakers pussied out of a deal for buyers remorse? Cmon man
— Love The 🏀range (@LoveTheOrange1) February 19, 2025
