Mark Williams Keeps Making the Lakers Regret Passing on Him

PHOENIX — At the time, it felt unreal. The Los Angeles Lakers had already shocked the league by trading for Luka Dončić, and somehow the deadline magic continued with a deal for Mark Williams. For a brief moment, it looked like Los Angeles had secured a long-term center to grow alongside its new franchise star.

Then reality hit.

The Lakers voided the trade after Williams failed his physical, sending the young big man back to Charlotte. In return, Los Angeles reclaimed its assets — Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and its 2031 first-round pick. At the time, the move was framed as caution. Now, it’s starting to feel like a missed opportunity.

🔄 A Second Chance — This Time in Phoenix

Over the summer, Williams was traded again — this time to the Phoenix Suns, who sent Vasilije Micić, the No. 29 pick, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Hornets for the 23-year-old center.

Phoenix handled Williams carefully. He didn’t play during the preseason, not because of injury, but due to the Suns’ emphasis on conditioning and strength. Given his injury history, the organization wanted him fully prepared before throwing him into the rotation.

So far, the patience has paid off.

📈 Williams Is Producing at a Career-High Level

Through 21 games this season (18 starts), Williams has been one of Phoenix’s most efficient contributors:

• 13.0 points per game
• 8.4 rebounds per game
• 1.1 assists per game
• 1.4 steals per game (career high)
• 65% shooting from the field (career best)
• 24.9 minutes per game

Just as important: availability. Williams has already played more games than he did in his second NBA season and has missed only four contests so far. For a player once defined by durability concerns, that matters.

🟣 Why This Still Hurts the Lakers

When the original trade was announced, most reactions were positive. Williams fit perfectly on paper — a young, athletic rim-running center who could thrive next to Dončić. The only real concern was the first-round pick cost, especially given his medical history.

Looking back now, that price doesn’t seem nearly as daunting.

Yes, Deandre Ayton has been excellent for the Lakers, easing some of the regret. But watching Williams flourish only reinforces the “what if.” His efficiency, defensive activity, and age all align with what Los Angeles has been searching for long-term.

🧠 A Case of Right Player, Wrong Timing

Williams has been open about how happy he is in Phoenix, calling the fit ideal for his development. From his perspective, everything worked out exactly as it should have.

From the Lakers’ side, it’s more complicated.

It would sting less if Williams were dominating in the Eastern Conference. Instead, every matchup, every box score, and every highlight serves as a reminder of a deal that almost reshaped LA’s frontcourt.

⏳ Too Early for a Final Verdict — But the Doubt Is Growing

It’s still early in the season, and NBA history is full of rescinded trades that ended up saving teams from long-term regret. That outcome is still possible for the Lakers.

Right now, though, it’s hard to ignore the optics.

Mark Williams is healthy.

Mark Williams is efficient.

Mark Williams is productive.

And every night he proves it in Phoenix, the question gets louder in Los Angeles:

What if the Lakers had taken the risk?