LandonBuford.com has learned that a table at Ascension Coffee, located at the Hotel Crescent Court, has been officially marked as belonging to both Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison. This is where the two began discussing the blockbuster trade between Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.

The move is a unique moment in NBA history, as it confirms the location’s connection to a crucial trade negotiation that sent shockwaves throughout the league. The Lakers are facing an unexpected setback in their roster restructuring efforts. The franchise rescinded their trade to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets after he failed his physical, according to a source who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. In exchange for the 23-year-old big man, the Lakers had offered Charlotte a package consisting of rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and future draft considerations. The Lakers pulled the plug on the deal because of concerns about Williams’ injury history.

Lakers’ Decision to Void Trade for Mark Williams

Mark Williams, a former first-round pick, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, playing in only 84 of 212 games due to persistent back problems and other ailments. At first, the Lakers saw Williams as an ideal match for their future, given that head coach JJ Redick, also a Duke alum, already had a mentorship relationship with the young center. Before the trade collapsed, Redick praised Williams, stating, “Just feel like he’s a really good fit now, and he’s a really good fit for the future.”

The Lakers raised concerns upon receiving Williams’ medical evaluations. They urgently need a durable big man to replace Anthony Davis, who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks with Max Christie for Luka Doncic. The Lakers could not take a chance on a player prone to injuries.

After the transaction failed, the Charlotte Hornets issued a statement that acknowledged the situation:

“We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization. After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic, and character. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.”

The Lakers remain in a difficult position, scrambling to find a replacement center. Without Williams, Jaxson Hayes is the only reliable big man on the team. This prompts the team to look to Trey Jemison III, who joined the Lakers less than one month ago or explore the market for buyouts, which lacks high-quality major players.

Lakers’ Center Options Post-Trade Deadline

Sources indicated to RG’s Grant Afseth that the Lakers were actively looking for other centers before the February 6, 2025 trade deadline. Several names were associated with the team, including:

Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets) – A switchable big man with strong defensive instincts and a lob threat.
Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers) – A proven shot-blocker but with an injury history similar to Mark Williams.
Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans) – A veteran presence with a strong post-game.
Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors) – Offers interior defense and solid short-roll playmaking.

Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers has long been a source of intrigue for the Lakers. Turner’s stretch-five skill set is crucial to their system, so Indiana has shown no interest in moving him. Turner’s ability to space the floor and provide elite rim protection makes him a perfect fit for the Lakers. Still, sources suggest that Indiana has no intention of trading him before the offseason.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

The Lakers have been without a center capable of starting alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James after canceling the Williams trade. Christian Wood, who has yet to play this season due to knee surgery, is among the team’s internal options being evaluated and may return in the coming months. Jaxson Hayes and Trey Jemison III will have to take on more significant roles, as Jemison is currently not eligible for the playoffs due to a two-way contract. Having a reliable frontcourt player is a top priority for the Lakers to make a serious championship push.

Conclusion

During this time of uncertainty for the Lakers, the Ascension Coffee table where Pelinka and Harrison first discussed the Doncic-Davis trade serves as a reminder of the swiftness of changes in the NBA landscape. The failed Mark Williams deal has left Los Angeles scrambling for answers. However, with the playoffs approaching, the Lakers must find a viable solution to strengthen their frontcourt depth.