Former Los Angeles Lakers trade target Mark Williams is expected to miss an extended period after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The Phoenix Suns center suffered the injury during an offseason workout, casting a shadow over his immediate future. This news arrives as the Lakers themselves are looking to rebound from a difficult recent run of form, which included a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026.
Williams underwent the surgical procedure on Thursday. The injury occurred during a routine offseason workout, sidelining the 24-year-old big man before the new NBA season even begins. He had just completed his first campaign with the Phoenix Suns, where he started at center and posted averages of 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds across a career-high 60 games. The Suns were impressed enough to re-sign him this summer to a fully guaranteed three-year, $38 million contract.
The Lakers' connection to Williams dates back to the 2025 trade deadline. Los Angeles had agreed to a deal to acquire him from the Charlotte Hornets, sending out Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and future draft capital. That trade fell apart just two days later when Williams failed his physical with the Lakers. His latest injury setback validates the team's caution at that time. While the Lakers have since addressed their center position, Williams' situation is a stark reminder of how quickly player availability can change in the NBA.
Los Angeles is coming off a challenging sequence of results. Their recent form shows one win and four losses in their last five outings (LLLLW). After a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets on May 2, 2026, the team dropped four consecutive games. Those losses included a 93-99 defeat to Houston, followed by two defeats to Oklahoma City (108-90 and 125-107) and a 131-108 blowout. Their most recent action was that narrow 110-115 loss to the Thunder on May 12. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
Phoenix now faces the season without their projected starting center. The team acquired Williams from Charlotte in June 2025, sending Vasilije Micic, a first-round pick, and a future first to complete the deal. His absence creates a significant hole in their frontcourt rotation and puts pressure on their depth. For Williams, it's another major hurdle after the failed Lakers physical two years ago. His recovery timeline will be closely monitored, as the Suns invested heavily in him being a long-term solution in the paint. The Lakers, meanwhile, will continue their own team building, hoping their current roster can improve on that recent 1W-4L form.
