According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dončić’s camp appreciated how quickly the Lakers responded to his wish for a vertical threat, a key factor in the Dallas Mavericks’ finals run last season.
“…Dončić’s camp has shown no visible displeasure about the Lakers walking away from the Williams deal. Sources informed Stein that in his first conversation about roster changes with Lakers VP of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, Dončić acknowledged it might take until summer to make such a move but was impressed by the Lakers’ swift efforts,” Stein shared in his Feb. 17 Substack newsletter.
The initial trade would have seen the Lakers give up substantial assets — the No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap — for the injury-prone Williams. However, the deal collapsed after the Lakers discovered multiple issues on Williams’ physical, unrelated to his back problems, which limited him to just 19 games last season.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Feb. 10 that the Hornets were consulting the league office about the possibility of contesting the Lakers’ decision to undo the trade.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commented on the matter, stating that the Hornets have yet to formally request to appeal the rescinded trade but acknowledged the situation had drawn his office’s attention.
“Is there a different standard we should apply when it comes to players passing physicals in trades? It’s something we should consider as a league,” Silver said during NBA All-Star Weekend.
While Silver noted that such cases are rare, he said the league would explore ways to prevent similar situations in the future, regardless of what “Charlotte decides to do.”
“It’s certainly captured our attention,” Silver added. “We understand that trade negotiations and uncertainty can disrupt players and teams. We will look into it, especially when it comes to player well-being and health, which have significantly advanced through medical science.”
Dalton Knecht, whose trade was rescinded, shared his emotional rollercoaster. After skipping a game to process the whirlwind few days, Knecht rejoined the Lakers, scoring 10 points in his first game back.
“It felt like a movie,” Knecht reflected. “I got drafted here, LA means a lot to me, so hearing the news and then being introduced in Charlotte, and then flying to Detroit for what was supposed to be my debut, only to return to LA… It was crazy, but I’m excited to just go out and play no matter where I am.”
Knecht also represented the Lakers during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, recording 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists over two nights.
