- Mark Williams expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Los Angeles Lakers after a trade fell through due to a failed physical.
- The center, now with the Phoenix Suns, averaged 13.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in 27 games as of January 26, 2026.
- Lakers coach JJ Redick recently criticized his team’s effort, potentially referencing the need for a strong presence in the center position.
- Williams has performed well in three games against the Lakers, averaging 17 points and seven rebounds.
- The Suns currently hold the seventh seed in the Western Conference, closely trailing the Lakers.
LOS ANGELES, January 26, 2026 — Mark Williams isn’t holding back his feelings toward the Los Angeles Lakers. The Phoenix Suns center publicly voiced his frustration with the organization after a trade that would have sent him to Hollywood last season was rescinded following a failed physical.
A Trade That Never Was
The failed deal would have seen Williams traded to the Lakers in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick.
“Honestly, like f–k y’all,” Williams said on the “The Old Man and the Three” podcast on Wednesday. “I was excited to go there. I thought I was a piece that could really help them. Obviously, going into the playoffs. And then once they lost, obviously, I tweeted a little smiley face. I was hating.”
The 7-foot-1, 240-pound Williams was initially seen as a solution to the Lakers’ frontcourt size issues. However, the trade was ultimately scrapped due to concerns over injuries, including a back injury that ended his 2023-24 season and a foot fracture that caused him to miss games last year.
The Hornets subsequently traded Williams to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 29 pick (Liam McNeeley), a 2029 first-round pick, and Serbian player Vasilije Micić.
Finding Success in Phoenix
Williams has thrived with the Suns, averaging 13.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in 24 minutes per game across 27 appearances as of January 26, 2026. The Suns (19-14) are currently seventh in the Western Conference, just behind the Lakers, who hold the fifth seed.
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