Mark Williams’ Future in Charlotte | Did the Lakers Play Dirty? | Hornets’ Next Move
The Hornets thought they had moved on from Mark Williams, but after a shocking trade reversal, he’s back in Charlotte. Plus, can LaMelo Ball still sneak into the All-Star Game, or will he suffer a historic triple snub?
NOTE: This episode was recorded minutes before news broke on LaMelo getting snubbed a 3rd time for the All-Star game in favor of Trae Young. Check our feed for a Bonus Episode on that news.
The Mark Williams trade saga took a bizarre turn as the Lakers backed out, citing concerns from his physical. Now, the Hornets’ young center is back in Charlotte, and we break down what this means for his future with the team. Was this just a case of LA second-guessing, or did they uncover something truly alarming? We dissect the Lakers’ decision, the Hornets’ response, and whether Mark Williams still fits into the long-term plans.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball’s All-Star hopes aren’t completely dead just yet. With injuries opening up new roster spots, could he finally get the nod he deserves? Or will Adam Silver and the NBA continue to overlook one of the most electric guards in the league? We discuss what’s working against LaMelo and whether his limited availability this season could cost him.
Plus, we take a look at Moussa Diabaté’s well-earned multi-year contract and how his hustle has solidified his place in Charlotte. And, with the trade deadline looming, are the Hornets actually done making moves, or could another surprise deal be on the way? All that and more on today’s episode of Locked On Hornets!
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornets
Become an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornets
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA
Get Doug’s gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.com
Get more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM
Top 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchise
Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history
📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter
Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets
Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl
Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH
For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.
eBay Motors
From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets
24 Comments
The Charlotte Hornet’s front office knows why the Lakers denied the trade.
Medical conditions are confidential… it might be a heart condition
excellent podcast guys, not a hornets fan, but I do enjoy your shows. I do think the Lakers are very careful with their players injuries. Look at what's happened to Dallas Mavericks .I don't think the Lakers would've allowed. Davis to play until he was 100% but I think they were desperate to appease their fans and probably brought him back too soon . Now they're gonna be in worse shape than ever, not only in rankings, but with their fans.
What was that word, "chidoonkle?"
The Lakers absolutely bailed on the trade.
Why would the Lakers play games with this trade??? What utter nonsense. They traded for the Williams because he possesses the size and game to mesh perfectly with Luka and potentially put them over the top. Now, they don't have a starting caliber center, and options are extremely limited at this point. They'll now have to wait until the summer to try landing a big. Jaxon Hayes and all the other options out there probably aren't enough to win the chip, even with Luka and LeBron.
He got snubbed again..
We paid yall top dolla for this Guy. He is not him. Refund please..
Seems the Suns/Hornets trade is being held up now too. Doesn't seem the Lakers are the issue…
So then don’t announce a trade til it’s legit so it’s a league issue
So why exactly is the nurkic trade on hold?
A FOOT PROBLEM IS A BIG DEAL,
BILL WALTON, Y MING, HAD TO RETIRE DUE TO FOOT ISSUES
The funny part about the whole thing is that Charlotte contacted LA about this trade 😂
They're NOT telling YOU what it is. That doesn't mean the Hornets didn't get what it is. Also….Hornets might have already known and tried to sneak one past the Lakers. Thank God for the Lakers Doctors.
Another great podcast guys, looking forward to see what happens with the rotation for the remainder of the season 🏀
IF you guys saw that Williams didn't look right then the Hornets knew as well…correct? So, why would they CALL the Lakers with the offer unless they were trying to sneak a fastball by the Lakers. Yea…..Charlotte and not "Inglewood" was up to shenanigans
It’s not like the Hornets have been able to get out of their way even AFTER Michael Jordan sold them. Jordan was the Hornets’ biggest excuse for organizational failure. Now he’s gone and the Hornets STILL suck. Go figure, right?🤔
We will find out soon enough.. but if we rurn out to be in the wrong, i dont see a way we keep out team doctors
Bro why would the Lakers screw themselves over after the trade deadline like this, makes no sense, I actually loved hearing Mark Williams was coming over here and I saw everyone else saying the same
You're correct, neither management was complicit because I think Mark himself was keeping quiet to save his NBA career. Can anyone honestly admit they wouldn't act similarly with all the $$$ involved?
"did the lakers play dirty" is crazy lol
According to reporting, Luka picked Mark as the center target. The Lakers had to give up a crazy amount to get Mark. If I'm Pelinka and never really wanted to give up that much for Mark then I make the trade to show Luka that I have his back and build some good faith, then fail Mark and say oh well, we tried.
Laker shenanigans? Lmao.
As a Laker fan I would speculate wildly that the Lakers got cold feet. But we have to consider that it could've been something unrelated to injury — a blood clot or a heart murmur or something Health related.