The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant roster move in February by acquiring five-time NBA All-Star Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. However, the trade came at a cost, as they lost star center Anthony Davis, leaving a gap at the center position for the remainder of the season. Soon after acquiring Doncic, the Lakers sought his opinion on a potential trade that would bring Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams to Los Angeles, a player Doncic had specifically requested to join him.
Trade Agreement Details and Sudden Cancellation
According to reports from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, the Hornets had accepted a Lakers’ offer that included Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, along with a pick swap in 2030 and a first-round pick in 2031, in exchange for Williams. However, the deal fell through when Williams failed his physical examination. Despite this, both Williams and his agent Jeff Schwartz expressed doubts that the failed physical was the sole reason for the trade’s cancellation.
I don’t think it was solely because of my physical,
Williams said to ESPN.
I felt like I could have contributed to them. But, obviously, they had second thoughts.
—Mark Williams, Center
Evaluating Doncic’s Role and the Lakers’ Search for a Center
Even though Luka Doncic and Mark Williams had never played together before, Doncic had identified the 7-foot center as a key target to bolster the Lakers’ lineup. The failure to secure Williams limited the Lakers’ ability to fill the void left by Anthony Davis, which contributed to their elimination in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs for the second consecutive season.
During the 44 regular-season games he played with the Hornets, Williams averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Shortly after the failed trade, Williams performed strongly against the Lakers, recording 10 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in 29 minutes, helping Charlotte secure a 100-97 victory. Later, Williams was traded to the Phoenix Suns on the night of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Lakers’ Response and Recent Roster Developments
The Lakers have not publicly confirmed whether any reasons other than Williams’ failed physical contributed to the withdrawal of their trade offer. Regardless, the team continued their efforts to fill the center position. In early July, Los Angeles signed 7-foot center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract, addressing their urgent need for a dominant presence in the paint for the upcoming seasons.
This move signifies the Lakers’ ongoing commitment to strengthening their roster around Luka Doncic, following his acquisition and their unsuccessful attempt to add Williams. The outcome of these decisions will likely shape the Lakers’ performance in future playoffs.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Luka Doncic a billionaire?
A. Luka Doncic is estimated to have a net worth of $75 million in 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Most of his wealth is from lucrative contracts during his successful NBA career.
Q. Are Luka Doncic and Bad Bunny friends?
A. The friendship has lasted many years. This year, Spotify’s Artist of the Year released a new song that mentions Mavs star Luka Dončić.
Q. Is Luka Doncic big?
A. He may not be an excellent defender, but his size (6’4″, 230 pounds) makes it difficult for others to overpower him defensively.
Q. Is Luka Doncic a millionaire?
A. As of 2025, Luka Doncic is believed to have a net worth of $75 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.