PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams admits to feeling a “little extra” motivation when facing the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, fueled by the failed trade that nearly sent him to the team earlier this year. The trade, which would have seen Williams dealt to the Lakers for then-rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick, was rescinded after Williams failed his physical.
Williams acknowledged the situation left him without full clarity.”Not in real detail. I’m kind of past it now. Just moved on from it,” he said when asked about the lack of clarification surrounding the trade’s collapse. Despite the unresolved nature of the deal, Williams has already faced the Lakers once as the trade fell through, recording 10 points and nine rebounds in a 100-97 Charlotte win on Feb. 19 in Los Angeles.
The Suns acquired Williams from the Hornets in the offseason, trading two first-round picks to secure his services. The Lakers, currently 15-4 and riding a seven-game winning streak, present a meaningful challenge as Phoenix begins a four-game road trip.
Williams outlined the keys to success against the Lakers, emphasizing, “They’re playing well right now. I think taking care of the ball. They’ve got some high-level scorers in (Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves). Keeping them off the free-throw line, I think, will really be huge. Staying disciplined. Forcing them into tough twos and playing our own game. Win the possession game, rebound the ball, playing with pace.”
Following the Lakers matchup, the Suns will face the Houston Rockets (13-4), Minnesota Timberwolves (12-8), and Oklahoma City Thunder (20-1) in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Dec. 10. Williams expressed the importance of a strong start to the road trip, stating, “We have some days in between games, finally. All of our opponents are tough. It’s a tough stretch, but I think starting off the right note with the first one will be the biggest thing.”
