The Orlando Magic are facing frontcourt challenges in the 2025 NBA playoffs, exacerbated by the absence of backup center Mo Wagner due to an ACL injury. This has led to speculation about potential trades, with a proposal involving Anthony Black going to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams. Although Williams boasts impressive stats, averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, his injury history raises concerns.

Williams was previously linked to a trade with the Lakers before failing a physical, leading analysts to ponder whether his potential outweighs his health risks. The Magic could benefit significantly from his talent, as they require depth in their frontcourt to improve their postseason performance.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, with Doncic expressing a desire to team up with a center who poses a lob threat. His top choice was Charlotte Hornets' Mark Williams. However, after the Lakers traded for Williams, the deal fell through due to Williams failing a physical examination. This setback highlighted the Lakers' urgent need for size in the frontcourt, a need that was further exacerbated by their disappointing playoff exit.

General manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged the team's shortcomings in size following the playoffs, particularly after being dominated on the boards against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Pelinka remarked that addressing the center position will be a primary goal for the offseason, emphasizing that the team must fill the void left by the departure of a top big man to Dallas. This offseason presents an opportunity for the Lakers to explore various options in the center market.

The Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in a tight spot after trading for Luka Doncic, realizing the dire need for a starting-level center. Initially, a deal for Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets seemed imminent, but a concerning physical examination led to the trade being rescinded. The Lakers, already without Anthony Davis, now rely on Jaxson Hayes, a player with limited experience, which raises questions about their frontcourt depth.

Concerns about Williams' maturity and potential injury risks contributed to the Lakers' cold feet regarding the trade. Despite his impressive stats this season, including 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, Williams' history of injuries looms large. As the Lakers reassess their options, the ramifications of this failed trade could have long-term effects on their playoff aspirations.

The Los Angeles Lakers' playoff run came to an abrupt end after their Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were propelled by Rudy Gobert's impressive performance, scoring 27 points and securing 24 rebounds. This defeat highlighted the Lakers' struggles in the series, especially in the paint, where they couldn't contend with Gobert's defensive prowess.

In a twist of fate, Lakers' offseason plans to acquire Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams fell through due to a failed physical. Had the trade gone through, Williams would have provided much-needed athleticism and depth in the Lakers' frontcourt, an area they sorely lacked during the playoffs.

Instead, the Lakers relied on a less effective duo of Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len, leading to a smaller lineup choice by head coach JJ Redick. This decision proved costly, as their frontcourt's inefficiency left the team vulnerable against Minnesota's big men.

The Los Angeles Lakers aimed to fill the void left by Anthony Davis with Mark Williams during the 2025 trade deadline. However, the deal collapsed due to Williams' medical issues, leaving the Lakers scrambling for a replacement before a pivotal playoff series. The team's inability to counter the Minnesota Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert proved fatal as they fell 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs, culminating in a devastating Game 5 where Gobert showcased his dominance with 27 points and 24 rebounds. Post-defeat, Williams, now with the Charlotte Hornets, took to social media to express his delight over the Lakers' misfortune, highlighting the irony of his rescinded trade.