Mar 31, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) and forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) and forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It was a transformative summer in Los Angeles. When NBA legend LeBron James opted to join the 76ers, the Lakers responded with a flurry of moves that have completely shifted the rotation.
Among the newest additions is young forward Ziaire Williams, who signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal this summer. While he’s not expected to play a massive role next season, he can still have a big impact on their overall performance. This week, the former Stanford prospect opened up on the reality of being a Laker and his drive to make things work in Los Angeles.
“Seeing my name on the Lakers jersey was super surreal, a blessing,” Williams said. “I can’t even explain it in words. I’m just so excited to be back home, playing in front of the fans. My family and I never would’ve imagined this day would come true. Eight-year-old me is doing backflips right now. It’s crazy; I just can’t wait to play a real game. I’m ready to play right now.”
More importantly, Ziaire offered Lakers fans a taste of what they might expect from him starting in October. He stressed his ability to bring energy and effort to the floor, a sign that he’s willing to do all the dirty work. He also mentioned his skills on defense, a key area of need for the Lake Show.
“Lakers fans can expect a lot of energy, a lot of hard work from me on the court,” Ziaire added. “Starting off on the defensive end, guarding the best player, providing the energy, making winning plays, and just doing all the little things it takes to win.”
What might help to ease the transition for Williams is the chance to reunite with his former college teammate, Bronny James. They played together for one season at Sierra Canyon High School, when Williams was a senior. All these years later, they are teammates once again on the biggest stage in basketball.
“Shoutout Bronny, that was my freshman right there,” Williams said. “It’s going to be fun playing with Bronny again. We grew a lot together at Sierra Canyon, and we’ve been friends ever since. It’s been cool to see him make it to the big leagues and keep progressing and getting better. I’m excited to be back on his team again.”
It remains to be seen how the Bronny-Williams duo will perform, but optimism is high after a successful offseason. Between Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jaden Hardy, and Kevon Looney, there should be more than enough depth to help them match up against the NBA’s most elite teams.
What role Williams will play is still unclear, but his excitement is palpable. With averages of 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 42.5% shooting last season, he clearly has a lot to offer the Lakers, and JJ Redick will surely find some way to incorporate him into the rotation.
Already, the vibes in that Lakers locker room are looking very healthy, and it’s a dream come true for someone like Ziaire, who has dreamed of this opportunity since watching the Lakers as a kid.