Mark Williams shot the Lakers after being eliminated from the NBA playoffs. Austin Rivers doesn’t like it and has something to say about the situation.
Following Luka Doncic’s trade, there was a lot expected from the Los Angeles Lakers following excellent play. Unfortunately, the season ended with a disappointing first round playoff exit.
The Minnesota Timber Wolves have proven too much for LA to handle. The important advantage they had in the series was the size, the Lakers were simply too small.
GM Rob Pelinka saw this coming, and the Lakers completed a trade to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. But after he reportedly failed in his body, it went through.
Williams responded relentlessly to the elimination of LA on social media. He chuckled the franchise by sharing a smiley emoji right after the loss of Game 5. This has resulted in some backlash.
Bobby Marks says having Williams would not have made a difference for the Lakers in the playoffs. However, it is clear that the center disagrees, and there is a bone to choose with the team.
Austin Rivers admitted, but questioned the situation based on Williams’ failed consultation.
“I understand that you feel the way. He’s still with the Hornets. Yes, and he seems to have failed physically,” Rivers told Ringer’s NBA show.
“If you didn’t physically fail, I remember they traded for you, they wanted you. Don’t know why you got mad at the Lakers?”
“He played afterwards and looked good, but for some reason his body failed. I got it, they lost, sprinkling salt on the wounds is always funny, he obviously was probably embarrassed, going there, going there, calling trade-offs wasn’t too good.
“No matter what, he failed in his body. I don’t know what you want to do with them.”
Williams always maintained his beliefs. His body suggests that the Lakers may simply have cold feet, not the only reason the trade is being cancelled.
Even if the 23-year-old feels downplayed by his physical failure, it is difficult to deny that his history of injury is not a concern for the NBA team seeking to acquire him.
As River suggested, Williams played well for Charlotte in the aftermath of the trade fiasco. Over 24 games, he averaged 15.1 points and 10.8 rebounds.
However, he still only played 44 games throughout the season. What’s even more worrying is that this is the most NBA game he’s ever played in an NBA campaign.
Taking all this into consideration, it makes sense what the river has to say. But right or wrong, Williams appears to be trapped when it comes to dislike the Lakers.