Lakers-Hornets trade nixed after Williams reportedly fails physical

The Los Angeles Lakers' trade to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-rounder has been rescinded due to the Hornets' failure to satisfy a condition of the trade, the Lakers announced Saturday, per The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

The multi-player trade was conditional on Williams and Knecht reporting and passing a physical, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Williams' physical with the Lakers showed multiple issues and the team subsequently failed him, sources told Shams Charania of ESPN. But Williams' back was not among the issues presented in the exam, adds Charania.

A series of back ailments limited the Duke product to just 19 appearances last season.

The trade cannot be amended since the deadline has already passed, adds Marks.

"We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization," the team said in a statement. "After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark's talent, work ethic, and character.

"We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court."

Los Angeles now has 15 players under contract and sits $1.6 million below the second apron, per Marks.

Jaxson Hayes has been the Lakers' starting center since Anthony Davis was dealt and will likely retain his place in the first five. Two-way players Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III are the other centers on the team's depth chart.