The Los Angeles Lakers continue to appear to prepare for life without LeBron. They have already signed four free agents in centers Sandro Mamukelashvili and Walker Kessler, and shooting guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. Now, the Lakers are adding a fifth free agent, with the signing of Ziaire Williams Jr. of Lancaster, California.
By signing Williams, the Lakers are trying to put together a supporting cast around their star player–Luka Doncic. The question remains is do the Lakers have enough, and is there enough depth in Los Angeles for them to contend for a playoff spot without LeBron?
Williams’s contract is one year and $3 million according to Rogers Sportsnet. The Lakers came to terms on the fifth year small forward on Monday.
The Lakers become Williams’s third NBA franchise. He previously played three seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2021 to 2024, and the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. In 56 games in 2025-26, Williams was mostly used in a reserve role as he only had 13 starts. Williams averaged 10.2 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game, 1.4 steals per game and 1.1 assists per game. He had a field goal percentage of .425, three point percentage of .343 and a free throw percentage of .850.
In Los Angeles once again expect Williams to come off the bench on a regular basis. He could be effectively used as a backup forward or shooting guard. The acquisition of Williams gives Los Angeles a little bit more depth heading into the season. If it is enough, time will tell.
