Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams didn’t mince his words when he broke his silence over the failed Los Angeles Lakers trade last February. After dropping an f-bomb to sum up his feelings in a recent episode of The Old Man and The Three podcast, Williams also admitted he was “hating” on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025 playoffs.
“Honestly, like, f**k y’all,” Williams stated. “I was excited to go there. I thought I was like a piece that could really help them. Obviously, going into the playoffs, and then once they lost, obviously, I tweeted a little smiley face. Like, I was hating. I was hating. That was crazy.”
The Charlotte Hornets were supposed to receive Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and several draft picks in exchange for Williams. However, the transaction didn’t go through because of Williams’ reported failed physical with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Today, Williams is the Phoenix Suns’ starting center, averaging 12.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on 65.6 percent shooting from the field across 28 regular season appearances. Williams’ team has defeated the Los Angeles Lakers two out of three times so far this campaign.
Los Angeles Lakers to miss several key players vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Following their 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Memphis Grizzlies in a back-to-back set this weekend. On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without Austin Reaves (calf), Rui Hachimura (calf), Gabe Vincent (back), and Adou Thiero (knee), while Jarred Vanderbilt (leg) is questionable to play.
Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers in scoring on Tuesday, dropping 30 points, five rebounds, and 11 assists, but went 9-for-22 from the field and had eight turnovers. During the game’s broadcast, NBA legend Reggie Miller called out Doncic’s lackluster defense.
“I will say one thing, look at Luka right here. It’s ok Luka, to move your feet a little bit over and help out. What does he do? He just throws up his hands. This would be frustrating for me,” Miller said of Doncic during a Jalen Duren drive.
