The latest development in the Mark Williams-Lakers-Hornets trade saga involves his agent letting everyone know he’s healthy.
In the trade saga that won’t go away, there is yet another new development in the whole Mark Williams failed physical Lakers-Hornets trade madness. And it comes from the most impartial person possible.
Fresh off Charlotte’s win over the Lakers on Wednesday night, in which Williams played 30 minutes in his first game since the deal was rescinded, his agent released a statement through Shams Charania of ESPN.
Jeff Schwartz: “Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity.” https://t.co/xpYih9CMRU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025
Ah, well that settles it! If Williams agent says Williams is healthy, then there’s nothing to see here. That’s clearly an impartial party who wouldn’t have any dog in the fight. No reason for him to take one side or the other, here.
This is not some sort of “gotcha” moment. The “nationally recognized doctors” almost certainly didn’t put Williams through an extensive physical like the Lakers did. And even if they did, it doesn’t matter because they’re not the Lakers’ doctors and those are the ones who had to make the final call.
Our own Dr. Rajpal Brar broke down what that process is like for NBA teams and where things likely went awry for Williams. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the other doctors said or what his agent said. The Lakers weren’t comfortable with what they found. End of story.
Williams did speak for the first time on Wednesday morning since the failed physical, though he didn’t provide much other insight into the process.
Hornets C Mark Williams opens up on rescinded trade to Lakers and gives his perspective on his failed physical. (via Charlotte Observer) pic.twitter.com/8Nf7RqeL9O
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 19, 2025
As things stood during the All-Star break, the Hornets had not filed an official protest despite contacting the league about their options. At this point, it feels unlikely that will happen and, instead, Williams agent and Charlotte are going to try to sway public opinion back in their favor.
It’s understandable. Both parties need to salvage something out of this mess. But this changes nothing about the situation.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.