The first NBA game following the All-Star break is Wednesday night's matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets. This game has several interesting subplots, even if the NBA's return is already thrilling. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Los Angeles and Charlotte reached an agreement before the NBA trade deadline that would have sent athletic centre Mark Williams to the Lakers. The Hornets were expected to acquire former lottery selection Cam Reddish and rookie Dalton Knecht.

The contract was cancelled and all three players returned to their former clubs when the Lakers failed Williams' physical. Knecht will play his second game for Charlotte, and Williams will play his first since the trade was cancelled. Knecht will be in the rotation, according to pregame remarks made by Lakers head coach JJ Redick and a follow-up report by Jovan Buha of The Athletic.