Lakers’ trade for Hornets center Mark Williams has been rescinded, team says

The L.A. Times reported that the Lakers have been forced to rescind their trade for Hornets center Mark Williams after a trade violation was discovered.

“The Lakers have decided to rescind the trade involving draft rights to Kai Jones and a future second-round draft pick for Mark Williams in order to comply with League rules concerning trades with team options held by draft prospects,” the Lakers said in a statement. “The team evaluates numerous scenarios throughout the year to determine what opportunities might help the team achieve its goals.”

The trade was originally made possible after the Magic declined to pick up their team option on Jones’ contract. Jones, who played college basketball at Baylor, was selected with the No. 19 pick in the 2022 NBA draft. The Hornets used the No. 13 overall pick to select Williams, who played one season at Duke, before trading him to the Lakers.