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Mark Williams Trolls Lakers After Playoff Elimination in Viral 'Funeral' Meme

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— 2 min read

The NBA world lit up on May 1, 2025, as Mark Williams, center for the Charlotte Hornets, ignited social media with a post that left Los Angeles Lakers fans stunned. Just hours after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Timberwolves, Williams posted a now-viral 'funeral' meme mocking their collapse. This wasn't just playful trolling — it was personal.

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The Failed Trade That Started It All

The rivalry between Williams and the Lakers didn’t surface overnight. Back in February 2025, the Lakers made a surprising move to acquire the 23-year-old in a midseason trade. But in a shocking reversal, the team rescinded the deal, citing a failed physical — even though Williams had been averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and logging heavy minutes for Charlotte.

Williams expressed disbelief at the decision:

"I didn't think I had failed my physical. That didn't even cross my mind. Since I've been back, I've played games with a lot of minutes. I've been 100% since."

Many analysts saw the rescinded trade as a sign of buyer's remorse from the Lakers rather than a legitimate health concern — especially since Williams continued to thrive with the Hornets.

May 1st: The Lakers' Playoff Collapse

The Lakers entered Game 5 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on the ropes. The night ended in disaster as they were out-rebounded 54-37 and eliminated from the playoffs. Rudy Gobert dominated with 27 points and 24 rebounds, exposing one of L.A.'s biggest holes: their lack of depth at center.

It was here that irony reached its peak. Just moments after the final buzzer, Mark Williams took to Instagram, posting an image of pallbearers dancing with a casket labeled "Lakers' season." He followed up on X with a single smiley face.

The message was clear: Williams hadn't forgotten.

Poetic Justice or Poor Taste?

The basketball world quickly split. Was this hilarious retribution or unprofessional behavior? Fans and analysts weighed in. Bleacher Report noted how badly the Lakers could’ve used Williams against Gobert's inside dominance.

"The Lakers desperately could've used Williams against Rudy Gobert's 27-point, 24-rebound domination in Game 5. Their center rotation was exposed."

The irony wasn't lost on fans, many viewing the Lakers’ center issues as a form of karmic payback for botching the deal.

Looking Back With Hindsight

Mark Williams played arguably the best basketball of his career following the failed trade, stepping up as a key part of Charlotte's rebuild. In contrast, the Lakers’ gamble — bailing on the young center — ended in disappointment.

For Williams, the meme wasn't just for laughs — it was a moment of personal vindication. And for fans on both sides, it became one of the offseason's defining viral moments.

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Conclusion

✔️ A rescinded trade turned into a viral grudge moment
✔️ Mark Williams’ social media moment became a symbol of revenge and redemption

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