Charlotte isn’t taking this trade fallout lightly. Or that’s what we thought. After the Lakers pulled the plug on their deal for Mark Williams on Saturday, citing a failed physical, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Hornets have “been in contact with the NBA” and will “weigh avenues to challenge” the decision. But looks like Adam Silver is here to clear up the rumors once and for all. But before we get to that…

For the unversed: The Los Angeles Lakers had initially sent rookie guard Dalton Knecht, and forward Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets in return for Williams ahead of the trade deadline. However, things took a downward turn when Charania reported that the Hornets’ center’s physical test had “showed multiple issues and the team failed him on the exam”. Meaning?

The trade was rescinded with immediate effect, shocking not just the NBA community, but even the players involved. While the Lakers did not officially confirm the reason for the trade-decline, reports from The Associated Press divulged that the unfavorable decision was ultimately taken after the Lakers’ front office learnt after Williams’ long injury history. The 23-year-old has reportedly played in just 84 of 212 games over three seasons owing to back problems and issues with his left ankle, and right thumb. However, his failed physical did not concern his back.

Having said that, this season, too, Williams was limited to just 23 games this season due to a foot injury—where he averaged 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. But, looks like what’s done is done…

While on The Rich Eisen Show, even Dave McMenamin informed that the Hornets are pushing the NBA to overturn the Lakers’ decision on Williams, saying “From my understanding, this would be almost like a mock trial that the NBA will put on, and both teams will present their cases,” that doesn’t seem to be happening.

Addressing the media ahead of the All-Star Saturday Night game, the NBA Commissioner said, “Charlotte has not filed a protest of any kind. I think the larger issue is if there is a different standard of sort in terms of players passing physicals in trades…It’s something we should look at as a league.”

Silver also 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.”

As of now, the league seems to be 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, and 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.”

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, 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.”