Mark Williams remains bitter about cancelled Lakers trade: ‘Forget you all’

Mark Williams Reflects on Voided Trade to the Lakers

Despite everything, my feelings for the Lakers haven’t really changed. I mean, it’s complicated, right?

Mark Williams hasn’t let go of the memory of that trade that didn’t happen last season, where he was set to move to the Lakers in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a 2031 first-round pick. Unfortunately, it fell apart over a failed physical exam.

He expressed his frustration, criticizing the Lakers for canceling the deal that could have paired him with stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

On a recent episode of “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, Williams said, “Honestly, we’re all… not great.” He shared his eagerness to join the Lakers, believing he could make a difference and help lead them to the playoffs. After the team faced losses, he even tweeted with a bit of a smile—though he admitted, “I hated it.”

At 7-foot-1 and 240 pounds, Williams was seen as a potential solution for the Lakers’ size issues. However, injuries—a back issue that sidelined him for the rest of the season and a foot fracture—ultimately led to the Lakers not proceeding with the trade.

Later, the Hornets decided to pivot and traded Williams to the Phoenix Suns instead, obtaining a 2029 first-round pick, Liam McNeely, and Serbian player Vasilje Misic in return.

Since joining the Suns, Williams has been performing admirably, averaging 13.1 points and 8.2 rebounds over 24 minutes across 27 games.

The Suns currently find themselves in a bit of a surprise run, sitting at seventh place in the Western Conference, just behind the fifth-seeded Lakers.

Meanwhile, Lakers coach JJ Redick has voiced his disappointment about his team’s lack of effort, particularly pointing fingers at big man Rui Hachimura and replacement center Deandre Ayton, whom he hoped could fill the void left by the trade for Williams.

In a candid moment after a tough loss to the Rockets, Redick said, “I don’t care enough right now.” He acknowledged that everyone cares but also emphasized that right now, they aren’t performing like professionals.

In three games against the Lakers, Williams has averaged 17 points and seven rebounds, showing he can hold his own—though the outcomes weren’t always favorable for him.