The Los Angeles Lakers unsuccessfully attempted to trade for Hornets center Mark Williams at the deadline, envisioning him as a key player against formidable opponents like Nikola Jokic. The trade fell through due to medical concerns raised by the Lakers' staff after Williams' physical, leading to a significant missed opportunity. Rudy Gobert's standout performance against the Lakers in the playoffs highlighted the potential impact Williams could have had, as he averaged impressive stats during the season. The Lakers' reluctance to play Jaxson Hayes further underscored the void Williams' presence could have filled. Ultimately, the failed trade left Williams at home during the playoffs, while the Lakers faced the consequences of their decision against the Timberwolves.

The Lakers aimed to acquire Mark Williams from the Hornets, intending to strengthen their lineup with a player who could effectively counter top-tier opponents like Nikola Jokic.

The trade was called off after Williams' physical revealed several medical issues that concerned the Lakers' medical staff, prompting them to retract the deal.

Rudy Gobert's dominant performance against the Lakers in the playoffs, with a 27-24 game, underscored the potential impact Williams might have had if the trade had gone through.

Williams, who was drafted 15th overall in 2022, had a season average of 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, representing a clear upgrade over Jaxson Hayes, whom the Lakers did not play.

The failed trade meant Williams remained off the court during the playoffs, while the Lakers struggled without his potential contributions against Minnesota.

The Lakers' decision not to adjust their strategy in the face of Gobert's success highlighted the repercussions of missing out on Williams.

Freelance writer Billy Heyen, who covered the story, emphasized the significance of the trade's failure on the Lakers' playoff performance.

When the Lakers made a push to acquire Hornets center Mark Williams at the trade deadline, they probably weren't picturing Rudy Gobert as the player Williams was the solution for.

The mental images probably focused on Nikola Jokic, or maybe Alperen Sengun or Ivica Zubac.

But there the Lakers were on Wednesday night, their season ending at the hands of a 27-24 night from Gobert for the Timberwolves.

It made the Williams saga loom very large.

The Lakers were actually the reason the agreed-upon deal, that sent Dalton Knecht to Charlotte, never went through.

They rescinded the deal after Williams' physical with the Lakers raised multiple medical issues for the Los Angeles medical staff.

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It's a rarely-used NBA mechanism, but the Lakers pulled the plug, and down the road now, it cost them.

The 7-foot Williams, drafted 15th overall out of Duke in 2022, could've been crucial against Gobert.

This season, Williams averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

He definitely would've been a clear upgrade over Jaxson Hayes, who the Lakers didn't trust to play a single second at center on Wednesday despite Gobert's success.

Instead, Williams has been home during the playoffs, far from getting the chance to make an impact on a big stage.

If the Lakers had just decided to stand firm in their trade convictions, the series with Minnesota may have looked very different.

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