The NBA trade deadline was going astonishingly well for the Los Angeles Lakers, that is until Saturday evening when word came down that the Dalton Knecht trade with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams was being rescinded.

When the Lakers completed their trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, the inclusion of Anthony Davis left the Lakers without a starting caliber center. That issue was seemingly resolved though with the Lakers follow-up trade for Mark Williams with the Hornets.

It appears though as if concerns surrounding Williams’ health were the reason the Lakers withdrew from the deal, as per Shams Charania of ESPN.

With the trade now voided, the team is left searching once again for a big man, and fans took to social media to react in disbelief to the shocking news.

Other fans wondered how this would affect Dalton Knecht. The promising Lakers rookie was having a solid season.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons drops Lakers conspiracy theory to give Knicks fans hopeJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic give Lakers their own unique 2-timeline issueAnthony Irwin ·
Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
NBA rumors: LeBron James, James Harden potential free agency departures unlikelyZachary Draves ·
timberwolves, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
1 player Minnesota Timberwolves must trade in 2025 offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts to his team losing the lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves late in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers’ JJ Redick link up with Les Snead at Rams campMiguel La Torre ·
image thumbnail
Sources: Lakers split on trading core playersAnthony Irwin ·

With the trade being rescinded, the Lakers once again have a full 15-man roster. Cam Reddish, who was also included in the deal, will also seemingly be returning to the Lakers. Their only avenue for adding frontcourt help now would be through the buyout market.

As it stands, the Lakers have been starting Jaxson Hayes at center, with the backup being determined by committee. Aside from Hayes, the Lakers’ only true centers on the roster are Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison. They are both two-way contract players and limited in the number of games they can play.

What’s made matters worse is Christian Wood, a legitimate 7-footer, has yet to take the court this season due to injury. There is no current timetable for his return.

Jarred Vanderbilt’s return has helped the team as he’s made an immediate impact since returning to the lineup. He fits JJ Redick’s style of small-ball, and that might be the way the Lakers will have to play for the remainder of the season.