Lakers' playoff exit brought one-emoji response from Mark Williams

Matthew Wadleigh

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Lakers' playoff exit brought one-emoji response from Mark Williams image

NBA Entertainment

The Los Angeles Lakers season is officially over after a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5. The Timberwolves were too much for the LeBron James-Luka Doncic-Austin Reaves trio, and now the Lakers will be watching the rest of the postseason from home. 

Of course, one might wonder what would happen if the Lakers did have center Mark Williams. After the Doncic trade went through, the Lakers acquired Williams in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets that sent a Dalton Knecht-led package to Charlotte. 

However, a failed physical caused the trade to be rescinded, leaving the Lakers with a massive hole at the center position. 

Williams, oddly enough, was watching the playoffs and wasted no time celebrating. The Hornets big man posted on Instagram after the game with the famous GIF. 

On top of that, Williams used just one emoji on X: A smiley face. 

Williams being a part of this Lakers roster would've changed a lot of things, especially with the way Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert dominated in this series. 

But, physical issues that led to the trade being rescinded created quite a stir, and Williams surely hasn't forgotten that just yet. 

MORE: Lakers refuse adjustment as Rudy Gobert cooks L.A. on historic career night

Matthew Wadleigh

Matthew Wadleigh is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He was born and raised in Southern California and grew up a San Diego sports fan (yes, it’s tough, except for Aztecs hoops). Matthew went to Fresno State as a journalism major and got to see Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Paul George and Aaron Judge in person. Matthew has written for publications including ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Fansided, Trojans Wire, UCLA Wire and Buffaloes Wire.