NBA: Hornets challenging Mark Williams’ failed physical

Jan 24, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) holds the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter of the NBA at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Hornets have reached out to the NBA to challenge the Lakers’ failed physical assessment of Mark Williams, ESPN reported Monday night, with the big man now back in Charlotte after a trade with Los Angeles fell through.

Williams was originally sent out to the West Coast last week for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a pick swap in 2030 and the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick, but the trade ended up being voided after the deadline because of Williams’ failed physical.

READ: NBA: Lakers land center Mark Williams in trade with Hornets

Now the Hornets are trying to decipher what Los Angeles’ evaluation process was while also trying to work with the league office to determine different courses of action that potentially could be taken, per ESPN’s report.

In three seasons with Charlotte, Williams has been limited to 85 games (56 starts) due to injuries.

READ: NBA: Lakers’ trade for Mark Williams rescinded after failed physical

The Hornets issued a statement on Saturday night stating that they were “excited” to bring Williams back into the fold. They also called the decision to trade him a difficult one.

Williams, 23, is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this season, better than his career marks of 11.6, 8.3 and 1.1, respectively. –Field Level Media