Hornets' Williams: In no world did I think I failed Lakers' physical
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams is still baffled by the failed physical that caused the Los Angeles Lakers to nix their trade for him.
Williams was supposed to head to L.A. in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick. However, the Lakers found multiple issues with Williams' physical and rescinded the trade Feb. 8, two days after the deadline.
"I didn't think I had failed my physical," Williams said Wednesday, according to the Charlotte Observer's Roderick Boone. "That didn't even cross my mind. The night I got traded, I played hella minutes. I didn't think in any world that was possible. Since I've been back at the start of the year, I've played games with a lot of minutes. I feel like every injury I've had has been well-documented and I've recovered and been 100% since. So, I don't know what went into that decision. I think that's up to them."
Williams has struggled with injuries throughout his three seasons in the NBA, appearing in just 85 total games. A back injury held him out of 63 games last campaign, but that reportedly wasn't the Lakers' issue with the results of his physical.
The 7-footer says the failed trade has affected him mentally.
"Your mind has to shift from you got traded, you've got to go to L.A., and then you've got to shift back. ... So, it's definitely different," Williams said. "It's a lot on your mind and you've got to take what life gives and make the most of every opportunity you've got."
The 23-year-old is expected to return to the Hornets' lineup Wednesday against the Lakers. He has been upgraded to probable.
The Hornets are reportedly "upset" with the Lakers for rescinding the deal and L.A. should expect a "huge diet" of Williams, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
"Can't write it any other way, right?" Williams said about coming back against the Lakers. "NBA script. it's just what it is."
Williams is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 23 games for Charlotte this season.