Following LeBron James' revelation, the Los Angeles Lakers' failed Mark Williams deal stings twice.

NBA Trade Rumors: Following LeBron James' revelation, the Los Angeles Lakers' failed Mark Williams deal stings twice.

The only genuine center on the Los Angeles Lakers with a regular deal is Jaxson Hayes. Mark Williams was supposed to join him, of course, but the team's deal for him with the Charlotte Hornets was canceled.

After failing a physical, Williams returns to Charlotte, creating a huge hole in the Lakers' frontcourt. He played a significant role in Los Angeles' aspirations to assemble a more competitive and well-suited roster around key acquisition Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The consequences of the failed move, however, apparently extend beyond the on-court product, if new information from ESPN's Dave McMenamin is any guide.

Williams was "handpicked" by Doncic as a target for Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to pursue, according to McMenamin. Los Angeles' readiness to quickly placate him also seems to have resonated with James and his inner entourage.

After LeBron James's disclosure, the Lakers' botched Mike Williams trade hurts even more.

"What is clear is that Doncic will have a say," write McMenamin. "And it wasn't lost on James' camp ... that Pelinka prioritized Doncic's involvement upon his arrival and immediately engaged in the Williams trade that he'd asked for."

Before Doncic joined the fray, the Lakers were desperately clinging to their future draft capital. The front office has been patient up to this point, even though James has often expressed his wish to put the present first. As a result, even if the latter received what he wanted (for a short time), he doesn't seem to be happy that Los Angeles went out of his way to please him right away.

Los Angeles quickly attempted to add Williams in response to Doncic's request. "James had for years wanted the team to trade its picks to improve its roster," McMenamin adds. In light of this, we are seeing the Lakers' power dynamics change in real time.

For the first time in his illustrious 22-year NBA career, James is not the center of attention for his team. In Los Angeles, he is currently performing a supporting role. The Lakers' near-transaction for Williams is evidence that Doncic will be the focal point of everything they do going ahead.