Mark Williams: 'I Don't Think' Lakers Voided Trade 'Solely Because of My Physical'

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams doesn't believe his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers should have been voided based on his physical with the team.

"I don't know for them, if it was what they gave up or went into that reasoning. But I don't think it was solely because of my physical," he told reporters following the Hornets' 100-97 win over the Lakers on Wednesday night. "I've been playing all year. And I think my minutes and production on the court speak for itself."

His agent agrees:

In the original deal, the Lakers sent Charlotte Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap in exchange for Williams, landing the sort of rim-running center that the newly-acquired Luka Dončić likes to have in the pick-and-roll.

Instead, the Lakers nixed the deal after a failed physical.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, "Williams' physical showed multiple issues, sources said. The center has missed 60 percent of the Hornets' games over his three seasons in the league, most notably for separate back and foot injuries."

The failed physical came a a surprise to Williams, however.

"I didn't think there was any world where I could fail my physical," he told reporters. "Every time I've been out, it’s been documented."

Charlotte was also clearly taken aback. Per Charania, the Hornets are "considering their next steps and weighing avenues to challenge the Lakers' evaluation process or seek alternative resolutions with the league office, sources said."

As for Wednesday night, Williams posted 10 points and nine rebounds in Charlotte's surprising win, aided by Dončić's rough night (5-of-18 from the field, 14 points, six turnovers), though he did add 11 rebounds and eight assists.