Los Angeles Lakers land Ziaire Williams on a cheap one-year deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with Ziaire Williams, a 6’9” Small Forward who was the tenth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. The move comes as the Lakers look to bolster their depth after a busy offseason that included signings like Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Williams spent the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 10.2 points per game in 2025-26 - a career-high mark. The Lakers, who lost their last five games before the 2026 offseason, are still chasing bigger moves, including potential trades for Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson.
What the Williams signing means for the Lakers
Williams slots in as a depth piece who could step into minutes vacated by Jarred Vanderbilt or Dalton Knecht. At just 24 years old, he brings size and shooting potential on a bargain contract. Last season, he knocked down 32% of his threes on four attempts per game, a mark that hasn’t yet translated to reliability in games. Still, his 8.7 career average shows flashes of offensive upside. The Lakers’ front office, fresh off a 0W-0D-5L stretch to end the 2025-26 season, needed a low-risk addition to keep their roster flexible. The $3 million price tag ensures they can still chase bigger targets without locking up cap space.
Williams’ NBA journey so far
Drafted tenth overall in 2021, Williams has played for three teams already: the Memphis Grizzlies (three seasons) and the Brooklyn Nets (two seasons). His career averages sit at 8.7 points and 2.9 rebounds, with a 32% three-point clip. While his efficiency hasn’t matched his draft pedigree, his size and willingness to shoot from deep give him a role to fill. The Lakers, who finished last season with a five-game losing streak - including a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026 - see him as a potential rotation piece who could grow into more.
What’s next for the Lakers after this move
The Lakers aren’t done reshaping their roster. Reports suggest they’re still pursuing Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson, among others. If they move Vanderbilt or Knecht, Williams could slide into their minutes immediately. The team’s recent form - a five-game skid to close 2025-26 - makes every addition a chance to tighten the rotation. With $3 million freed up, they can pivot quickly if another opportunity arises. For now, Williams gives them another young wing to develop, a low-cost gamble in a league where every dollar counts.
