A week ago, the Los Angeles Lakers’ trade attempt for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was called off after he did not pass his physical examination. It was quite a significant letdown for Lakers fans, who pictured Williams as the team’s starting center for many years ahead.
Williams, 23, has been sidelined for a number of games during his three seasons in the NBA because of injuries. Nonetheless, he has demonstrated significant growth and progress, averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over 25.0 minutes per game this season. Although he has some defensive weaknesses, he is capable of blocking shots, running the floor, finishing powerfully at the rim, and excels as a rebounder. Standing at seven feet, he boasts a wingspan of 7 feet 6.5 inches and a vertical reach of 9 feet 9 inches.
A report indicated that the Hornets intended to dispute the Lakers’ evaluation of Williams’ physical condition. However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that the Hornets have not submitted any official protest.
At this stage, it appears highly improbable that there will be any changes regarding that trade. Rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht, who was part of the team, suited up once more for the Lakers on Wednesday, and the team acquired veteran center Alex Len from the buyout market on Tuesday.
This piece initially was published on LeBron Wire: Adam Silver provides update on Lakers’ canceled trade for Mark Williams
Curry’s backward, half-court 3 plus other highlights, notes from NBA All-Star 2025 practice
OAKLAND — NBA All-Star Weekend aims to deliver what fans desire (except if they want LaMelo Ball).
In the Bay Area, they desire more of Stephen Curry performing his iconic moves. He participated in the NBA All-Star 2025 practice on Saturday at his old venue, Oracle Arena in Oakland.
Here are additional highlights and observations from Saturday afternoon in Oakland.
• Kyrie Irving discussed addressing the situation in Dallas concerning the Luka Doncic trade and the subsequent fan reactions.
“Well, it’s a part of our industry.” I wouldn’t exactly refer to it as noise. “You see, this is what fuels the engine of our company,” Irving stated. “You see, another aspect of our duty as artists or athletes is to be engaging.” At times, when you’re involved in public matters, not everyone will respond positively or in the intended way, which is completely normal and healthy. However, for me, it’s all about keeping my attention on the primary task in front of me, my objectives, my aspirations.”
Kyrie has been in the league long enough to understand — fans are much more interested in the trade dynamics than the actual matches. That’s the truth, but it resonates differently with players, who occasionally perceive themselves as pawns.
• LeBron James skipped All-Star practice, similar to what he did last year in Indiana. A year prior, he arrived on Sunday, fulfilled pregame media duties, participated in the game, and left the city — anticipate a similar scenario in the Bay Area.
• Jaren Jackson Jr. of Memphis discussed his experience as an All-Star and competing with/against players he looked up to while growing up.
Steph suggests ‘interesting’ change to NBA officiating transparency
If Warriors standout Steph Curry had the role of NBA commissioner for just one day, which rule would he alter?
He responded to that question at NBA All-Star Media Day on Saturday in Oakland Arena, and the response may not be what you anticipate since it was unrelated to game-related criteria.
“I’d likely like to have access to the refs’ grading system, making it more transparent, similar to how our statistics are displayed every night,” Curry mentioned to the media. “Without adding any difficulty to their challenging job, it would be fascinating from both a fan and player perspective to understand what makes a referee great and how they evaluate their own system.” “I’m interested in that.”
Curry holds great respect for NBA referees, even though Dub Nation thinks they occasionally don’t treat him justly regarding fouls. However, all parties involved in the result of a game must be held responsible, including the players in uniform and the officials in stripes.
The Warriors faced their share of officiating issues in Wednesday’s 111-107 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks, highlighted by an on-court outburst from coach Steve Kerr following a no-call that resulted in him being given a technical foul. Officiating also appeared to overlook a kicked ball violation against the Mavericks that significantly influenced the game’s result.
The NBA’s internal officiating review process does ensure referees are held accountable by utilizing video and data to evaluate each call, although the public does not have access to that information. Given the increasing speed and skill of the game each season, it’s undeniable that referees face a challenging task.
“The most misinterpreted element of officiating is the belief that we’re not responsible, that we act as we please, and that we have a preference for which team wins,” NBA referee Scott Foster stated recently on the “NBA Referee Roundtable” podcast (h/t CBS Sports). “That is simply untrue.” From my initial day in the NBA on Nov. 9, 1994, to now, I believe that the level of accountability has reached an incredible, exponential approach to how things are done.
“We receive grades for each play, we are evaluated on every decision, and we are responsible when we fail to perform as expected.” We shouldn’t go out there and engage in what people claim we do, which is intentionally making incorrect plays. “That is simply impossible.”
That could be true. However, in Curry’s view, if supporters can evaluate his shooting percentage, they ought to have access to the statistics concerning referee performance too.
Dalton Knecht’s bizarre rookie season takes another twist: an All-Star showdown vs. LeBron
Dalton Knecht has experienced a hectic first season as a rookie. He performed excellently in front of his idol, Kevin Durant, thrilled the home crowd with 37 points, was traded by the Lakers, and then returned.
On Friday, he appeared live on Greek television and earned a place in his first All-Star Game.
After his team’s victory in the Rising Stars Game, Knecht will compete on Sunday against a team featuring his superstar Lakers colleague LeBron James, along with Durant and Stephen Curry.
“Competing against all the All Stars, you know, it’s going to be enjoyable,” Knecht remarked. “I viewed a great deal of it during my childhood.” “Now I belong to it.”
As Knecht experienced All-Star Weekend for the first time, the pain of being traded (and then brought back) was beginning to fade. He competed for the first time since the failed trade on Wednesday in Utah before representing the Lakers in San Francisco.
“Returning to the gym and practicing shooting, you know, clears my mind.” “Just taking some shots,” Knecht informed The Times.
He appeared relaxed on Friday while playing with most valuable player Stephon Castle, who concluded the championship game with 12 points and three rebounds.
In the initial of two contests where the first team to reach 40 claimed victory, Knecht netted seven points, starting the play at Chase Center with the weekend’s opening basket — a three-pointer.
In the championship match against a squad of G-League players, Knecht netted five points, which occurred towards the end as his team gained the lead, creating a chance to trash talk with James.
“I typically don’t initiate it.” I typically don’t initiate conversation. “I typically aim to complete it,” Knecht stated. “Well, you see, we’ll find out.”
On Friday, he enjoyed the complete All-Star experience, highlighted by a news conference where he addressed inquiries regarding his desire to see a fictional dunk contest involving a 40-year-old LeBron, Michael Jordan, and Vince Carter, if he has befriended any Filipino NBA players, his favorite Mexican eatery, and whether he aspires to participate in the dunk contest or three-point contest in the future.
“I believe I can manage both,” he stated.
Knecht’s return to the Lakers raises uncertainty about his future. The Lakers, initially thrilled that Knecht was available at No. 17 during the draft, abandoning their intention to select Orlando’s Tristan Da Silva or Baylor’s Yves Missi, opted to part ways with him in their quest for Charlotte’s Mark Williams, even with Knecht contributing rotation minutes throughout the season.
There have been difficulties in development, an extended period of poor shooting, and several viral videos depicting a frustrated Lakers bench following Knecht’s mistake on a play. Inquiries regarding his defense led the Lakers to consider trading him prior to the deal being canceled. This summer, they will be looking for centers through free agency and trades, and Knecht might once again be one of their top assets.
Knecht simply desires to play, equipped with the knowledge gained from the first half-season of his career that has already featured some exciting chances — his latest being an All-Star appearance.
“Ultimately, I’ve come to understand quite early on that it’s a business.” “And there could come a day when you’re with the Lakers, and another day when you’re on a different team,” Knecht stated. “Ultimately, it turns out to be pretty fast.” You shouldn’t take the moment for [granted]. “You simply have to savor every moment.”
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