Overall Neutral

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dealt to the Lakers for ‍then-rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick, was rescinded after Williams failed his physical.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.”