The Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Ziaire Williams to a one-year deal following a private workout in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old former lottery pick adds defensive length and athleticism to the roster.
A recent report reveals how the Los Angeles Lakers managed to sign Ziaire Williams to a one-year minimum deal despite interest from other teams.
According to Marc Stein, Lakers assistant coaches Nate McMillan and Greg St. Jean alongside lead executive Rob Pelinka and senior adviser Kurt Rambis attended a private workout at trainer Joe Abunassar's Impact Basketball gym in Las Vegas to assess Williams' game and his recent efforts to improve his three-point shooting.
The visit helped Los Angeles clinch the 24-year-old as they officially announced his signing on Sunday.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers continue to strongly pursue Jonathan Kuminga as a potential starter despite the signing of Williams.
Ziaire Williams joins Lakers after two seasons in Brooklyn
Williams spent the previous two campaigns with the Brooklyn Nets after beginning his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 24-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 22.9 minutes across 56 appearances during the 2025-26 season. He converted 42.5% of his field goals and 34.3% of his three-point attempts.
Brooklyn declined Williams' $6.25 million team option for the 2026-27 season, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency.
The Lakers had already been linked with Williams before free agency as they looked to become younger and more athletic on the wing.
Ziaire Williams
Ziaire Williams
Credit AP Photo/Craig Lassig
Williams offers size and defensive potential
Williams was selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft after spending one season at Stanford.
At 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), the forward provides Los Angeles with additional length on the perimeter and the ability to defend multiple positions.
Williams has averaged 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 269 regular-season games with Memphis and Brooklyn. He also has 14 games of playoff experience from his time with the Grizzlies.
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