Lakers’ Trade for Mark Williams Rescinded: What’s Next for LA

The Los Angeles Lakers had hoped they’d found a solution at the center when they traded for Charlotte Hornets’ Mark Williams. The deal seemed perfect for the future of the team, especially with the idea of pairing Williams with Luka Dončić for the next decade. However, after a failed physical, the Lakers have rescinded the trade, and they now face a shortage of options at center for both the short term and the long run.

Center Position Needs and Current Situation

With the failed acquisition of Mark Williams, the Lakers are left thinner at the center than ever before. Despite having Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ center position was already a concern. Davis is now gone, and there is no immediate replacement on the horizon. With Jaxson Hayes as the only clear center on the roster and Maxi Kleber sidelined for the next eight weeks, the Lakers are looking at a team that will need immediate solutions.

Will the Lakers Revive the Trade for Mark Williams?

Unfortunately, no. When a trade is held up by a failed physical, it cannot be easily amended, and in this case, the Lakers’ trade for Mark Williams was rescinded. The team had the option to pass on the trade and finalize it or cancel it entirely. They chose the latter, meaning this deal is dead unless both sides revisit talks in the future.

Can the Lakers Add a Center This Season?

Jaxson Hayes’ Opportunity
The winner in this situation is undoubtedly Jaxson Hayes. With the center position in flux, Hayes now has a golden opportunity to prove his worth in a significant role alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Hayes possesses impressive athleticism and potential as a lob threat but needs to show consistency in rebounding and defense to secure his spot for the future.

LeBron James at Center?
In the absence of other centers, the Lakers might experiment with LeBron James playing center in certain lineups. While the 40-year-old LeBron isn’t built for the center position, his high basketball IQ makes him a solid defender, and his versatility could fill gaps when necessary.

Buyout Market and Possible Targets

The Lakers, being above the first luxury tax apron, can only sign players on the buyout market with a salary below $12.8 million. The buyout market will be crucial for the Lakers, and several names could be available:

1. Daniel Theis: A solid center but lacks the lob-finishing skills the Lakers prefer.
2. Bismack Biyombo: A potential target if he becomes available after his 10-day contract with the Spurs.
3. Mo Bamba: A former Laker who could return for a second stint.
4. JaVale McGee: Currently in Puerto Rico, McGee could reunite with the Lakers for a veteran presence.

Future Options for the Lakers

The Lakers’ pursuit of a center isn’t limited to the current season. The offseason will bring more opportunities for the team to reshape its roster. With expiring contracts and a more flexible salary situation, the Lakers could trade for a player like Myles Turner, Clint Capela, or Brook Lopez. The offseason will be a pivotal moment in the Lakers’ search for a long-term solution at the center position.

Lakers’ Options Moving Forward

While the failed trade for Mark Williams has left the Lakers without a center for the time being, the team will be looking at both short-term and long-term solutions. For the rest of this season, Hayes will be the key to filling the role, but the Lakers will have to explore the buyout market and potentially make moves in the offseason to secure their center of the future.