LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers trade to acquire center Mark Williams from Charlotte has been withdrawn, the team announced Saturday night.
The transaction was scrapped “due to failure to meet the status of the trade,” the Lakers said in a simple statement.
The Lakers agreed to acquire rookies Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish with third-year center Williams on Wednesday night, along with draft considerations.
Los Angeles needed a big guy to replace Anthony Davis. Anthony Davis was traded with Dallas along with Max Christie for Luka Donsic.
Charlotte was also expected to receive the Lakers' first round pick in 2031 and his first round pick swap in 2030.
The Lakers did not provide details on why they would abolish the deal, but online speculation quickly went to Williams' long history of injury.
He played in just 84 NBA games over three seasons due to back issues and other illnesses.
The trade cancellation throws yet another turbulent element into the Lakers despite the intense roster move.
Los Angeles defeated Indiana 124-117 early Saturday without LeBron James and Donsic.
The Lakers currently don't have a big guy who has proven to play alongside Jackson Hayes, who was expected to move to the bench after Williams arrives.
Their backup center against the Pacers was 6-foot-10 Tray Jemison III. He joined the Lakers within four weeks and played for four teams in the past two seasons.
