The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with free agent forward Ziaire Williams on a one-year deal worth $3 million, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on July 13, 2026.
The move gives Los Angeles additional depth on the wing after the club exhausted its cap space earlier in free agency. Williams negotiated the contract alongside CAA Co-Head of Basketball Aaron Mintz.
Williams’ Recent Production
The 22-year-old is coming off his best NBA season, posting 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 42.5% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range in 22.9 minutes per game. He appeared in 56 contests, including 13 starts, for the Brooklyn Nets.
Background and Local Connection
Selected 10th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2021 draft out of Stanford, Williams struggled early in his career before finding a rhythm in Brooklyn. The Los Angeles native played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, where he was a teammate of Bronny James.
Next Steps for the Lakers
While Williams helps shore up the rotation, the Lakers are still pursuing forward Jonathan Kuminga in a potential sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, according to Charania. Any additional additions would require a trade, as the roster now stands at the 15-player maximum.
This offseason has already seen Los Angeles bring in Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy and Kevon Looney while veterans such as LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber have either departed or are expected to move on. The franchise is reshaping the roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the 2026-27 campaign.
Source: LakersNation.com
