Lakers Add Forward on 1-Year Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Ziaire Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal in free agency, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. Williams spent the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and the first three of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Free agent forward Ziaire Williams has agreed on a one-year, $3 million deal to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/peHUxlls6d

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2026

Williams averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 56 games last season with the Nets. After losing forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura this offseason, the Lakers’ frontcourt will look different with Williams in it next season.

Williams, who will turn 25 in September, was the No. 10 overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft. He is also a Los Angeles native and played at Sierra Canyon alongside Bronny James in high school.

Mar 22, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) warms up before a game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

In addition to Williams, the Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves to a four-year, $180 million contract. Los Angeles also acquired new players Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Kevon Looney this summer.

Lakers Still Pursuing Jonathan Kuminga

Even though Williams gives the Lakers a full 15-man roster, Los Angeles is still expected to pursue Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga in free agency. The Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option on June 29, making him a free agent this offseason.

Kuminga averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 36 games with the Hawks and Golden State Warriors. He suffered a bone bruise in late January that caused him to miss a month of the season.

When he returned, the Warriors traded him to the Hawks in February.

Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

In order to make space for Kuminga, the Lakers could complete a sign-and-trade deal with the Hawks or waive one of the players currently on the roster.

Photo Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

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