Lakers reach a deal with Williams and CAA Co-Head of Basketball Aaron Mintz to address their wing depth -- and LA contin Via @ShamsCharania on X
What happened: Free agent forward Ziaire Williams agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports from ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal was negotiated with Creative Artists Agency Co-Head of Basketball Aaron Mintz to bolster Los Angeles on the perimeter. In addition to the Williams agreement, the Lakers continue to strongly pursue forward Jonathan Kuminga for a potential starting role.
Why it matters: The $3 million agreement provides immediate rotation depth while operating within salary-matching constraints above the cap and below the first tax apron for the upcoming 2026-27 season. This wing reinforcement follows Collin Sexton's two-year, $19 million Lakers deal as the front office continues restructuring the perimeter. With trade discussions regarding PJ Washington ending, landing a low-cost option like Williams preserves flexibility to target higher-profile additions such as Kuminga.
By the numbers: Williams averaged 10.2 points across 22.9 minutes per contest for the Brooklyn Nets last season before agreeing to his one-year, $3 million contract.
What to watch: Monitor Los Angeles' ongoing pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga as the front office seeks to secure a starting forward for the 2026-27 roster. Further offseason moves will depend on how remaining roster spots fit within the salary-matching structure below the first tax apron.