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Lakers’ Trade Troubles Linked to One Risky Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 1:18 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers, just like most big-market teams, often have to meet hefty asking prices when dealing with other franchises.

No one wants to help the powerful unless they're willing to pay the price for it. On top of that, Rob Pelinka may have laid his own bed last season.

Unfortunately, the ripple effect of the Lakers' failed trade for Mark Williams is still lingering.

According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, it also laid the ground for other teams looking to shake them up in any attempt to acquire a big man:

Report: NBA teams kept asking price high on centers for Lakers https://t.co/XUYfYPamqb
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) July 9, 2025

"Teams who had centers available were keeping their price for the Lakers high when they called, sources said, after they had established what they were willing to pay for Mark Williams (in February's now-rescinded trade)," Windhorst said on The Hoops Collective.

The Lakers had agreed to send former first-round pick Dalton Knecht, an unprotected first-round pick, and an unprotected first-round pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for Williams.

Williams failed his physical with the Lakers, and the trade had to be rescinded. Since the transaction took place at the trade deadline, the Lakers couldn't make another trade to find their big man.

Essentially, the Lakers bet against themselves with that move, as other teams around the league now know how much they're willing to pay for their big man.

They signed Deandre Ayton in free agency, but he's never been known for his interior defense and rim protection.

And with not many options left in free agency and not much money available to spend, the Lakers might have to pay a big price if they still want to trade for another big.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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