Dalton Knecht Was Nearly Traded But the Lakers Got Hit with an Unbelievable Twist!

In a stunning turn of events, the highly anticipated trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets has officially fallen apart—leaving fans outraged and speculating about what really went down behind the scenes. The Lakers were reportedly set to acquire Mark Williams in exchange for rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht, but at the last minute, the deal was scrapped due to a shocking health issue.

Mark Williams Fails Medical Examination—Lakers Walk Away

According to sources close to the situation, Mark Williams failed to pass the Lakers’ rigorous medical evaluation, leading the team to pull out of the deal immediately. While specific details regarding his condition remain undisclosed, insiders claim that the Hornets may have been aware of Williams’ lingering health concerns but proceeded with trade discussions anyway. If true, this would be a massive red flag for Charlotte’s front office.

For the Lakers, this last-minute collapse is a frustrating setback. Williams was expected to fill a major gap in their frontcourt, providing much-needed size, rim protection, and rebounding. Now, the Lakers must scramble to find another trade option before the deadline or risk wasting another season of LeBron James’ championship window.

Dalton Knecht Stays—But Is He Truly Safe?

Meanwhile, Dalton Knecht, who was nearly shipped off to Charlotte, now finds himself in an awkward position. The Lakers were clearly willing to part ways with him, and that fact alone raises serious questions about his future with the team.

Even though Knecht has shown flashes of potential, was he ever truly in the Lakers’ long-term plans? Or was this failed trade a sign that LA never viewed him as untouchable?

As the dust settles, it’s clear that Knecht will have to fight for his place on this roster. Does he have what it takes to prove his worth, or will the Lakers simply use him as trade bait in the coming days? One thing’s for sure—this isn’t over yet.

Did the Hornets Try to Pull a Fast One on the Lakers?

One of the biggest takeaways from this botched deal is the suspicion surrounding the Hornets’ front office. If Charlotte knowingly put Williams on the trade block despite ongoing health concerns, it could damage their credibility in future negotiations.

For years, the Hornets have struggled with mismanagement and questionable roster decisions. Is this just another chapter in their long history of front-office failures?

Sources indicate that the Lakers’ front office was furious upon learning the full extent of Williams’ medical condition. Did Charlotte attempt to pull a fast one on them, hoping they wouldn’t conduct a thorough check before finalizing the deal? If that was their strategy, it backfired spectacularly.

One thing is certain: the Lakers dodged a bullet by not taking on a player who wasn’t medically cleared. But the fact that they were even willing to trade Knecht raises another major question—what’s their next move?

What’s Next for the Lakers?

With Mark Williams off the table, the Lakers must shift their focus elsewhere. Will they target another center before the deadline? Will Knecht remain part of their rotation, or is he just a trade asset waiting to be moved?

Recent reports suggest that the Lakers are still aggressively shopping for roster upgrades, with multiple targets under consideration. Could they pivot toward a different big man? Is another surprise trade brewing behind the scenes?

One thing is clear—the Lakers aren’t done dealing. The front office knows they need to upgrade the roster if they want a shot at the title.

Stay tuned, because things are about to get even more chaotic in Lakerland.