The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Ziaire Williams to a one-year contract worth a reported $3 million, the team announced.
Williams, 25, spent the past two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets after being selected 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft and playing his first three years with the Memphis Grizzlies. In 119 appearances for Brooklyn—58 of them starts—the 6-foot-9 wing averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals.
Regarded as an athletic, defense-first player who excels off the ball, Williams shot 42.5 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point range last season. The Lakers believe open looks created by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will ease his offensive workload, allowing him to focus on perimeter defense.
Los Angeles entered the offseason intent on adding athleticism on the wing. Williams joins first-round pick Cameron Carr and developing forward Adou Thiero as part of that overhaul.
The move also marks a homecoming for Williams, a Lancaster native who starred at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth alongside Bronny James. He will wear No. 11 with the Lakers.
Team officials remain active on the market, continuing to pursue forward Jonathan Kuminga in a potential sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Talks are ongoing and no agreement has been reached.
Source: LakersNation
