The Lakers season is over. Los Angeles was eliminated on Wednesday night in a 4-1 series loss to the Timberwolves in a game where Rudy Gobert absolutely went off with 27 points and 24 rebounds in the 103-96 win.
If only the Lakers had someone in the middle. Someone who could have helped them on both ends of the floor. If only they had someone like … Mark Williams. Instead of potentially helping LeBron James and Luka Doncic make the finals, Williams was at home — relishing in Los Angeles’ defeat.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25977921/Screenshot_2025_05_01_at_8.53.32_AM.png)
Is it sour grapes? Absolutely, but Williams has more than enough reasons to hate the Lakers organization. He was traded back at the NBA trade deadline in a deal that would have sent Dalton Knecht and a first round pick to Charlotte. Instead the trade was called off by Los Angeles, who proceeded to paint the center as an injury liability, not only taking away his opportunity to play for a contender — but more importantly impact his future earning potential.
It was a very awkward situation with the Hornets swearing Williams was fine, even going so far as to take the nixed trade to arbitration in an effort to force it through, but to no avail. Charlotte awkwardly welcomed back their former lottery pick back, smoothed things over, and for the remainder of the season Williams absolutely went off for Charlotte, recording 13 double-doubles since the deadline.
Anyone who understands ball knew this was coming. The Lakers were in dire need of a center for their playoff push, and Williams would have been a great missing piece. Instead they’re vacationing early once more.
As for Williams: There had been reports suggesting the Lakers might try and reevaluate the deal and complete it in the offseason. Now? Well, that might be a little more tricky given just how much he enjoyed watching them fail.
