2 min read • February 14, 2025
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The Los Angeles Lakers' trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was officially rescinded due to a failed physical, leaving both teams in an awkward situation post-trade deadline. But what exactly led to the voided deal, and could Charlotte challenge the decision? Dr. David Chao, also known as Pro Football Doc, breaks down the medical side of the situation and explains why the Lakers ultimately backed out.
Mark Williams, despite his young career, has battled an extensive injury history that likely played a major role in the Lakers’ decision. In just three seasons, he has already missed 127 games, appearing in only 85 contests. His injuries include:
Rookie Season: Left ankle issues and a right thumb injury that required offseason surgery.
Second Season: Persistent lower back problems that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
Third Season: Foot injuries that forced him to miss 20 games, with additional knee concerns.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the failed physical wasn’t just due to his back issues—it was reportedly multiple injuries that raised concerns for the Lakers' medical staff.
It’s important to understand that a failed physical doesn’t mean a player can’t play basketball. Instead, it simply means the acquiring team— in this case, the Lakers—didn’t like what they saw. Dr. Chao likens the process to buying a home:
"When you buy a home, you enter escrow. During that inspection period, if you find something concerning—whether it's a roof leak or foundation issues—you can back out of the deal. It doesn't mean the house is unlivable, just that you’re not comfortable moving forward. That’s exactly what happened with the Lakers and Mark Williams."
This means that while Williams may return to the Hornets and continue playing, the Lakers determined his injury history carried too much risk.
The short answer: No. Failed physicals are subjective evaluations, and the acquiring team (Lakers) has the final say. Charlotte has no real recourse to overturn the decision.
"Because of the subjective nature of failed physicals, I don't see any way Charlotte can insist that the trade goes through," Dr. Chao explains.
With the trade deadline now passed, both teams find themselves in a tough spot. The Lakers still need frontcourt depth, while the Hornets must reintegrate Williams despite nearly trading him.
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