Lakers, Hornets trade for Williams off: clubs

LOS ANGELES, United States — The Los Angeles Lakers' trade for the Charlotte Hornets' Mark Williams has been rescinded, the clubs confirmed on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) after the towering center reportedly failed a medical exam.

The Lakers had swooped for the seven-foot (2.13m) tall Williams in order to bulk up their roster following the departure of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic.

The Lakers had sent rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish to Charlotte in exchange for Williams.

On Saturday, however, both clubs said the deal was off.

"The trade between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers has been rescinded due to failure to satisfy a condition of the trade," the Lakers said in a brief statement.

The Hornets said they were happy to welcome Williams back to the club.

"We made the difficult decision to move him; we have always held great respect for Mark's talent, work ethic and character," the Hornets said. "We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster."

ESPN reported that the deal was called off after Williams underwent a Lakers medical exam that found "multiple issues."

Because the deal collapsed after the NBA's trade deadline, the news means the Lakers will not be able to find another big player to fill the void created by Davis's departure to Dallas.