Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was supposed to be the final piece of the Los Angeles Lakers puzzle at the 2025 NBA trade deadline until his move to Hollywood was unexpectedly rescinded with no time to find a replacement.
After sending All-Star center Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, Lakers coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka had Williams pinned as the player who could fill the Davis-sized hole in the frontcourt.
Doncic wanted a lob threat on offense, and size would be crucial on defense come playoff time in a Western Conference loaded with the likes of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.