CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — It took a bit of scheduling luck, but the Hornets’ first game out of the All-Star break carries serious drama with their opponent.
Charlotte travels to Los Angeles to face the Lakers Wednesday night at 10 p.m. The two teams were involved in one of the biggest off-the-court storylines this season, for the Mark Williams trade that never happened.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, the Hornets agreed to trade Williams to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap. It came on the heels of the Lakers making a blockbuster deal that sent center Anthony Davis to Dallas for the Mavericks’ star guard Luka Doncic.
But, the following Saturday, the Lakers announced they rescinded the offer, citing Williams’ physical not meeting a condition of the trade.
In between the original trade and the the take-back, the Hornets had already traded for another center, Jusef Nurkic from the Suns.
In three seasons, Williams has played in only 84 out of a possible 212 NBA games due to injuries. The Hornets said he will be available to play Wednesday night.
The matchup was originally scheduled for Jan. 9, but was moved due to the wildfires.
Williams’ minutes were previously being managed after he returned from a foot injury in December. He’s averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over 25 minutes per game this season.
Nurkic scored 9 points with eight rebounds in his lone game with Charlotte Feb. 12, just before the break.
Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, previously out with another ankle injury suffered when the Lakers came to Charlotte Jan. 27, also is available after being listed as probable.