Lakers GM Rob Pelinka’s plan was all coming together. First, he pulled off an impossible trade for Luka Doncic. Setting the Lakers up for the future with a foundational piece for the Lakers to build around. Next on the list for Pelinka was Mark Williams, a young, athletic center, something that Anthony Davis had been asking for. Giving LeBron James another chance at a ring. But it looks like Pelinka might have to wait a little longer to make his dreams come true.

Because the Lakers just dropped a bombshell—the Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht trade is no more as reported by Jovan Buha. Turns out, the deal with the Hornets hit a snag because a key condition wasn’t met according to Shams Charania. Just like that, it’s back to square one. And just like that their $10 million salaried first piece around Doncic, falls apart.

Looks like JJ Redick will have to amend his plans, as they will have to remain without a starting center for the remainder of the season. The Lakers were ready to bring in Williams, sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and an unprotected 2031 first-rounder to Charlotte.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks shed some light on the situation, explaining, X: The trade was conditional on Mark Williams and Dalton Knecht reporting and passing a physical. Because the deadline has passed, the trade was not allowed to be amended.” Marks wrote.

The exact reason remains unknown, but the Lakers were confident that they could keep the 7-foot center healthy after consulting a spine specialist. Setbacks have filled his time in the NBA, making teams view him as a risky addition.

Back in his rookie year, Williams only played 43 games thanks to ankle sprains and a thumb injury that eventually needed surgery. Year two? Not much better. Back problems kept him out for 63 games. This season hasn’t been smooth either. Foot and knee issues have limited him to just 23 games.

Did the Lakers save themselves from trouble?

Three seasons in, and Mark Williams has suited up for just 85 games while missing 127. That’s not exactly the track record you want for a young center. But what’s really going on with his injuries? You see, his rookie year was a mess.

Three separate left ankle sprains cost him multiple games, and if you’ve ever rolled an ankle, you know how easy it is to tweak it again. He also banged up his right thumb, missed a few games, and then had surgery in the offseason. Thumb injuries are just part of life for big men—constant contact with the ball, defenders, and even the rim makes them inevitable. The good news? His ankle hasn’t been an issue since, and his thumb has held up fine.

Year two, though, is where things got serious. A lower back bruise turned into something much worse, shutting him down for the season. Was it a deep muscle bruise? A bone fracture? Hard to say. What we do know is the Hornets took the safe route with a guy they see as a key piece.

This season hasn’t been much better. A left foot injury cost him 20 games, with conflicting reports calling it either a strained tendon or a small fracture. He also missed a few games for “tendon management.” He keeps coming back, but the injuries are stacking up. If he wants to stay on the floor, durability has to become his top priority.