Charlotte isn’t taking this trade fallout lightly. Or that’s what we thought. The Lakers pulled the plug on their deal for Mark Williams on Saturday, citing a failed physical. But instead of letting it go, the Hornets were believed to be taking action. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hornets contacted the NBA, trying to find a way to push back against the decision.
On The Rich Eisen Show, Dave McMenamin said the Hornets are pushing the NBA to overturn the Lakers’ decision on Mark Williams’ failed physical. “From my understanding, this would be almost like a mock trial that the NBA will put on, and both teams will present their cases,” McMenamin said. But noted history favors L.A. in keeping the deal rescinded.
But that doesn’t seem to be happening. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the Hornets’ response to the Lakers rescinding Mark Williams’ trade. “Charlotte has not filed a protest of any kind,” Silver clarified. He acknowledged the role of sports science in trade physicals, saying, “It’s something we should look at as a league.”
Image Credits: IMAGN
Silver admitted challenges like this are rare. “I don’t think in my tenure a trade has ever… There’s ever been a challenge because a player has availed in a physical.”
He also highlighted the uncertainty for players caught in trade reversals. “For players who are involved in trades, how disruptive it can be. I’m sure it’s equally as disruptive to think you had been traded and not to have been traded—disruptive for the player, disruptive for their teammates.”
The league is monitoring the situation, with Silver stating, “Let’s see what Charlotte decides to do here, but I think, either way, it’s gotten our attention.”
Silver’s right about how trades can disrupt players who have to return to their previous franchises after a deal falls through. Because Dalton Knecht just lived through an NBA rollercoaster—one minute, he was on his way to Charlotte, the next, he was back in a Lakers jersey like nothing happened. Imagine getting pulled mid-shootaround by your GM, only to hear, “Yeah, that trade? Never mind.” Knecht summed it up perfectly: “It felt like a movie… It was a crazy time.”
At least now, he knows where he’s playing. But he’ll be facing off against a Laker in a different jersey.
Lakers Dalton Knecht will play against one of his own as the Rising Stars will take on Team Shaq
Dalton Knecht’s rookie year has been a rollercoaster, but he just had a big moment at All-Star Weekend. Playing under Chris Mullin, he helped his Rising Stars squad win the championship. Now, he’ll go head-to-head with Lakers teammate LeBron James in Sunday’s All-Star Game against Shaquille O’Neal’s team. Talk about a wild matchup.
Knecht eagerly anticipates his first All-Star appearance. He knows his team isn’t carrying the same weight as the veterans, making the game more fun. “So, I get to play against one of my teammates. It’ll be a lot of fun just to go out there and try to make a statement,” he said. Asked if facing NBA legends gives him extra motivation, he didn’t hesitate. “I guess, yeah. Of course, I’m a competitor, so, of course, I’m gonna try to go at them.”
Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) and forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
His Rising Stars performance? Solid. He dropped seven points, hit a deep three, and threw down a dunk that had the arena buzzing. Off the court, he soaked in the full All-Star experience—answering media questions about everything from Filipino NBA players to his favorite Mexican restaurant.
Despite all this, his Lakers future is murky. The team almost traded him for Charlotte’s Mark Williams, questioning his defense and consistency. But Knecht isn’t stressing. “It’s a business,” he said. “One day, you’re with the Lakers. The next, you’re somewhere else. You just gotta enjoy every moment.”
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