This season has definitely been one of the most shocking seasons in the NBA’s trade history. Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis aside, the Lakers had also let go of a player who “fits so well with our pillar pieces,” and “a weapon” they didn’t have on the team, for Hornets center Mark Williams. Or at least that was the plan until the young center didn’t clear the physical.

The Purple & Gold had traded Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a first-round swap in 2030, and an unprotected first-round pick in 2031 to Charlotte in return for Williams. However, per Shams Charania, “multiple issues” appeared on Williams’ physical, leading the LA side to rescind their offer. So, what’s the story behind his injury struggles? And how many games has he actually missed?

What were Mark Williams’ past struggles with injuries?

Mark Williams’ injury troubles began early in his NBA career. During his rookie season, he dealt with multiple ankle sprains. Even though these sprains are common among big men in sports, they weren’t quite as concerning as one would think. Why, you ask?

Well, according to Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT, re-spraining an ankle quickly after an initial one isn’t all that uncommon. In fact, they are called ‘ankle sprain clusters,’ and “re-injury risk is higher in the short term.” Key word here being short term. On top of that, Williams suffered a thumb injury which required surgery during the offseason, further cutting into his time on the court.

Even so, Dr. Brar, in his Lakers analysis for Silver Screen and Roll, mentioned it was no cause for concern. So, what happened? Or, more importantly, where did it go wrong? The straightforward answer would be the second season. But you and I both know that injuries in athletes, especially someone averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and shooting 58.6% from the field (all elite numbers) per game this season, is a lot more complicated than that.

Take the injuries Mark Williams suffered in 2023-24: a lower back contusion, which left him missing one game, and a back injury that ruled him out for the season. Interestingly, the likeliest situation is that the first one led to the second. Confused? Let me explain.

A lower back contusion—a deep bruise—likely started Williams’ back issues in 2023-24. But not all bruises are equal. If it was just a muscle bruise, he’d probably have bounced back quickly. Instead, the extended recovery suggests it might have been a bone bruise or even a small fracture, which can take much longer to heal.

Given the demands on the lower back—jumping, running, and absorbing contact—the Hornets’ medical staff took the cautious route and shut him down. Thankfully, it hasn’t popped up again this season, something Dr. Rajpal Brar also noted, calling the injury “no cause for concern.” Whether it was caused by contact—common in the NBA—or repetitive motion is unclear, but the latter could point to something more troublesome.

But what about his current season?

Well, 2024-25 has been all about the foot. Some reports say it was a strained tendon; others—like ESPN’s Dave McMenamin—suggest it was a small fracture that didn’t require surgery. Honestly, with foot injuries, there’s always some gray area. It could’ve been both. These things get messy fast, and given how tricky foot and ankle issues can be, it’s not surprising there were a few crossed wires.

Then there’s the knee injury. Sounds like a minor thing—probably just a little soreness or a knock. He didn’t miss any games, but considering the year he’s had, it’s easy to see why the team played it safe. Head coach Charles Lee even said the recent left foot “tendon management” was precautionary.

Add all that up, and it’s clear the Lakers were watching his injury history closely before the trade. But where does it leave us with respect to the number of games he’s played? It was reported that he has appeared in only 85 games and missed around 127 games. Throughout the 3 seasons that he has spent with the Charlotte Hornets, he has played in less than 40% of possible games.

In his rookie year, Mark appeared in 43 games, and in his second season, injuries limited him to just 19 games (all starts). This season, he has played in 23 games. At just 23 years old, the center has a long road ahead, but this deep dive into his injury history in itself has raised some concerns.

What’s next for the Lakers after the failed trade?

The Lakers had big plans for Mark Williams. He was supposed to be their solution at center—a defensive anchor and lob threat to round out their frontcourt. But with the trade rescinded after he failed his physical, those plans went up in smoke. And now, with the trade deadline in the rearview and a full 15-man roster, the Lakers have no way to replace him.

That leaves Jaxson Hayes as the only true center available for actual minutes. Christian Wood? Still sidelined, recovering from surgery with no clear return date. So, head coach JJ Redick has little choice but to roll with a smaller lineup and hope for the best.

Los Angeles bet big on Williams and lost, leaving them to navigate the rest of the season without the center they desperately need. It’s a tough blow for a team that had its sights set on contending. Even if a free agent big popped up, it’s hard to imagine them moving the needle at this stage.

But what about Mark Williams? The Hornets did welcome the big man back with open hands. However, the failed trade also raises questions about his future with other teams. While Williams is clearly talented, his injury history makes teams hesitant to take on the risk. Looking ahead, the Duke product has a lot to prove.

If he can stay healthy and avoid further setbacks, he still has the potential to be a key player in the NBA. For now, it’s a waiting game to see if he can finally stay injury-free and unlock the promise he’s shown so far.