Lakers Explain Why Trade With Hornets Fell Through
The Los Angeles Lakers made waves during the NBA trade deadline, acquiring five-time All-Star Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. In exchange, the Lakers sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, where the nine-time All-Star scored 26 points in his debut. This left Los Angeles with a need for additional help in the frontcourt.
On February 5, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Lakers and Charlotte Hornets had agreed to a trade that would send rookie wing Dalton Knecht to Charlotte in return for 7-foot center Mark Williams.
“Breaking: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, sources say,” Charania initially reported.
However, on Saturday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the trade had been canceled.
“The Lakers say the trade with the Charlotte Hornets has been rescinded due to the failure to meet a condition of the trade,” Buha posted on X.
In another update on X, Buha provided more insight into why the trade was voided.
“The Lakers say the trade between them and the Charlotte Hornets has been rescinded because the Hornets failed to meet a condition of the deal,” Buha added.
According to Buha’s report, it appears the Hornets were at fault for not fulfilling a condition in the original agreement.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained the implications for the Lakers’ roster now that Williams is no longer joining the team.
“The Lakers now have 15 players under contract,” Marks wrote. “They are $1.6M below the second apron.”