Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish. This trade would have landed the Lakers a new center to pair alongside the recently acquired Luka Doncic. However, because of multiple problems with Williams’ physical, the trade was rescinded.
While Knecht has already made his on-court return for the Lakers, Williams has reportedly been away from the Hornets (via Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer), leaving many to wonder what his future in Charlotte will look like.
One day before the Hornets are set to begin the second half of the season, Williams’ future with the team now looks more clear.
Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams.
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In a photo shared by the team on X, it was revealed that Williams is back with the Hornets and potentially ready to take on the Lakers on Wednesday night in a bit of a revenge game.
The Hornets have yet to release their official injury report, but with this photo, they have revealed the news that Williams is back with the team.
Mark Williams has returned to the Charlotte Hornets and is on the team’s flight to Los Angeles, where they will play the Lakers tomorrow night. đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/TQjrgoh0xa
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) February 18, 2025
Additionally, the Hornets announced on Tuesday via their official injury report that Williams is probable to play against the Lakers.
“LaMelo Ball (R Ankle) and Mark Williams (Return to Play Reconditioning) are probable,” the team wrote.
INJURY UPDATE: @hornets at LAL 2/19
LaMelo Ball (R Ankle) and Mark Williams (Return to Play Reconditioning) are probable
Mann (Disc), Miller (R Wrist), Okogie (L Hamstring) and G Williams (R ACL) are out
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) February 19, 2025
Williams last played for the Hornets on Feb. 5 in a loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite having a career year so far, the Duke alum only recorded six points on 2-for-8 shooting, five rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes in the loss.
With the trade deadline having officially passed, Williams will finish the rest of the season with the Hornets. However, given that they nearly traded him away already, it will be interesting to see if they re-open trade talks to move on from him in the offseason. Regardless, even if they do, it is fair to assume the Lakers will not take part in the Williams sweepstakes this time around.