Video: LeBron James Says Mark Williams 'Was Never a Teammate' After Poster Dunk, Trade

LeBron James sent a message to Mark Williams on Wednesday in the Los Angeles Lakers' 100-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets in the first game after the All-Star break for both clubs.

Speaking to reporters after the game, James explained there was nothing unique about having Williams on the opposite side because "he was never a teammate" following the failed trade between the Lakers and Hornets.

James emphasized that point during the game with a poster dunk on Williams midway through the fourth quarter that tied the score at 80.

The Lakers agreed to a deal with the Hornets on Feb. 6 that would have sent Williams to Los Angeles in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and 2031 unprotected first-round draft pick.

Two days later, however, the deal was rescinded because Williams reportedly failed his physical with the Lakers. Since the trade deadline had passed by the time the deal was rescinded, it was unable to be amended and all parties were returned to their previous team.

Even though there was a 48-hour period when it seemed like Williams was going to be on the Lakers, he never actually took part in any practice activities with the team before the deal was pulled back.

Williams said prior to tipoff on Wednesday he was "shocked" to hear he failed his physical, but "you control what you can control."

Things did work out for Williams at least for one game. The 23-year-old finished with 10 points and nine rebounds in the win, though he's also going to show up in highlight reels from now on after being posterized by James.