Williams has a revenge game on tap if he can block out the noise, and a cake walk matchup if he sees fit. He is averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds while consistently putting up gaudy statistical performances, including a 38-point trouncing of the Chicago Bulls in January.

One of the more puzzling parts of the trade deadline earlier this month was when the Lakers announced that their trade to acquire big man Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded just 48 hours after it was announced.