The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting Ziaire Williams as NBA free agency begins. The 24-year-old forward is now an unrestricted free agent after the Brooklyn Nets declined to pick up his $6.25 million team option for the upcoming season.
Los Angeles is seeking to add younger and more athletic players to its wing rotation. According to reports, Williams fits that profile and has supporters within the Lakers organization. “The Lakers have desires to get younger and more athletic on the wing, and Williams is coming off back-to-back seasons in Brooklyn where he averaged more than 10 points and shot better than 34 percent from 3-point range,” one report noted. The interest is based on his physical tools and defensive potential. “The bet for the Lakers would be that at 6-9 with a nearly 40-inch vertical leap, that Williams could be an impact defensive player with room for growth on the offensive side of the ball. He has fans inside the Lakers’ facility.”
Last season, Williams averaged 10.2 points, 1.4 steals, and shot 34.3% from three-point range in 56 games for the Nets. His departure from Brooklyn was reportedly due to a roster crunch rather than performance issues. The Lakers’ interest is also supported by Williams’ strong play against them last season. A report highlighted his success, stating, “Ziare Williams averaged 16.5 points on 52% from the field and 40% from 3 plus 2 steals when playing the Lakers last season.” The report added, “It was his highest ppg average against any team that he played against more than once on the season.”
Signing Williams would represent an affordable, high-upside move for a Lakers team looking to build a sustainable roster around Anthony Davis. The forward also has a local connection, having been high-school teammates with Bronny James at Sierra Canyon. While multiple teams are expected to pursue Williams, the Lakers have emerged as a serious potential destination as they reshape their roster for the 2026-27 season.
