Ziaire Williams is entering the 2026-27 NBA season as a Los Angeles Lakers forward after signing a one-year contract with the team in July 2026. The former No. 10 overall pick spent his first five NBA seasons with Memphis and Brooklyn, averaging 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 269 regular-season games. His 2025-26 season with Brooklyn was his most productive statistically in several areas, as he averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 34.3% from three and 85.0% from the free-throw line.
Ziaire Williams Lakers: Career and 2026 Season
Ziaire Williams enters the 2026-27 season with a fresh opportunity in Los Angeles.
The Lakers signed Williams to a one-year contract in July 2026, adding the 6-foot-9 forward after he became a free agent following the Brooklyn Nets’ decision not to exercise his $6.25 million team option. The NBA’s 2026 free-agent tracker lists Williams as moving from Brooklyn to Los Angeles for the 2026-27 season.
For Williams, the move represents another important stage in a career that began with considerable expectations.
He was selected 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft after playing one season at Stanford. Five years later, he arrives in Los Angeles as an experienced NBA wing rather than as a developmental rookie.
The Lakers’ current roster lists Williams as a forward wearing No. 11, alongside a group that includes Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia and other veteran and young players.
The biggest question surrounding Ziaire Williams Lakers fans will be watching in 2026-27 is simple: Can he turn his size and perimeter scoring ability into a consistent role in Los Angeles?
What Happened With Ziaire Williams and the Lakers?
Williams became a free agent during the 2026 offseason after Brooklyn declined its team option on his contract.
The Nets’ decision ended his two-year run with Brooklyn. He had originally joined the organization in 2024 after the Memphis Grizzlies traded him to the Nets.
The Lakers then agreed to a one-year deal with Williams in July.
The move was officially reflected in the NBA’s offseason transaction tracker, which lists Williams as a Lakers addition for the 2026-27 season.
Los Angeles subsequently listed him on its roster as a 25-year-old forward standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 185 pounds.
This is an interesting opportunity for both sides.
For the Lakers, Williams offers another long perimeter player who can potentially space the floor and defend multiple positions.
For Williams, Los Angeles provides a chance to compete for meaningful minutes on a team with championship ambitions.
Key Details About Ziaire Williams
- Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Position: Forward
- Height: 6-foot-9
- Weight: 185 pounds
- Age: 25
- College: Stanford
- NBA Draft: No. 10 overall, 2021
- Drafted by: New Orleans Pelicans
- First NBA team: Memphis Grizzlies
- Previous team: Brooklyn Nets
- 2026-27 team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Contract: One year
- 2025-26 scoring: 10.2 points per game
- 2025-26 rebounds: 2.4 per game
- 2025-26 assists: 1.1 per game
- 2025-26 three-point shooting: 34.3%
- 2025-26 free-throw shooting: 85.0%
Ziaire Williams’ 2025-26 Season
Williams spent the 2025-26 season with Brooklyn.
He appeared in 56 games, starting 13, and averaged 22.9 minutes per game.
His final regular-season numbers were:
| Category | 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Games | 56 |
| Starts | 13 |
| Minutes | 22.9 MPG |
| Points | 10.2 PPG |
| Rebounds | 2.4 RPG |
| Assists | 1.1 APG |
| Field Goal % | 42.5% |
| 3-Point % | 34.3% |
| Free Throw % | 85.0% |
| Steals | 1.4 SPG |
| Blocks | 0.4 BPG |
Those numbers show a player who was still developing but had useful NBA-level offensive tools.
His 85.0% free-throw shooting was particularly encouraging because it indicates that his shooting touch remained a strength even though his three-point percentage was only 34.3%.
Williams also averaged 1.4 steals per game, suggesting that his length and activity could give him defensive value when he is engaged on that end.
Across his five NBA seasons, Williams has averaged 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 269 regular-season games.
Ziaire Williams’ NBA Career
Williams entered the NBA with high expectations.
He was the 10th overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft, making him a lottery pick. The New Orleans Pelicans originally selected him, but his draft rights were subsequently part of the transaction that sent him to Memphis.
His NBA debut came on October 20, 2021.
During his time in Memphis, Williams showed flashes of his potential but struggled to establish a consistently large role.
His first five seasons have produced the following scoring averages:
- 2021-22: 8.7 points per game
- 2022-23: 5.7 points per game
- 2023-24: 8.2 points per game
- 2024-25: 10.0 points per game
- 2025-26: 10.2 points per game
His statistical progression has therefore been uneven, but the last two seasons represent his highest scoring production in the NBA.
That makes the Lakers opportunity particularly important.
The Brooklyn Chapter
Memphis traded Williams to the Brooklyn Nets in July 2024.
ESPN reported at the time that the Grizzlies sent Williams and a future second-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for Mamadi Diakite and the draft rights to Nemanja Dangubic. The move also created salary-cap flexibility for Memphis.
Williams subsequently received a larger opportunity with Brooklyn.
In 2024-25, he averaged 10.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 63 games while shooting 34.1% from three-point range.
He followed that with 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 56 games in 2025-26.
Although those numbers did not turn him into a primary offensive option, they showed that he could provide scoring from the wing without requiring a large number of possessions.
Why the Lakers Signed Ziaire Williams
The Lakers have several high-level offensive players who can carry significant usage.
That means a player such as Williams does not necessarily need to become a primary scorer to be useful.
His potential value comes from a different combination of skills.
Size
At 6-foot-9, Williams provides unusual size on the wing.
That gives the Lakers another player who can potentially defend bigger perimeter players and create mismatches offensively.
Shooting
Williams has not yet developed into an elite NBA three-point shooter, but he has demonstrated enough shooting ability to remain a threat.
His career three-point percentage is 32.2%, while his 2025-26 mark was 34.3%.
That is an area where improvement could significantly increase his value.
Free-Throw Shooting
His 85.0% free-throw shooting in 2025-26 was one of the strongest shooting indicators of his season.
Free-throw percentage does not guarantee NBA three-point success, but it suggests that Williams has a solid shooting foundation.
Defensive Activity
Williams averaged 1.4 steals per game in 2025-26.
His size and length can make him disruptive, although consistent defensive positioning and effort will determine whether he becomes a reliable defensive option.
Ziaire Williams’ Strengths
1. Size for a Perimeter Player
Williams’ 6-foot-9 frame gives him an advantage over many traditional wings.
He can shoot over smaller defenders and potentially switch onto multiple types of opponents.
2. Shooting Potential
His three-point shooting has been inconsistent throughout his career, but he has shown enough touch to make improving that skill a realistic path toward a bigger role.
The Lakers will likely value any improvement in this area.
3. Experience
Williams is no longer a young rookie trying to understand NBA basketball.
He has already played 269 regular-season games over five seasons.
That experience could help him compete for minutes immediately.
4. Length and Defensive Disruption
His size gives him the tools to bother opposing wings and passing lanes.
His 1.4 steals per game in 2025-26 were the highest single-season average of his NBA career.
5. Scoring Growth
Williams has increased his scoring average in recent seasons.
He went from 8.2 points per game in 2023-24 to 10.0 in 2024-25 and 10.2 in 2025-26.
The progression is modest, but it demonstrates that he can produce more when given opportunities.
What Are Ziaire Williams’ Weaknesses?
Williams’ biggest challenge is consistency.
A player can have NBA size, shooting ability and athleticism but still struggle to maintain a stable role if those skills do not appear consistently from game to game.
His career three-point percentage of 32.2% is below the level expected of a high-end NBA floor spacer.
His career scoring average of 8.7 points also shows that he has not yet established himself as a major offensive contributor.
Another issue is availability.
Williams dealt with a foot problem during the end of the 2025-26 season, with multiple games missed late in the campaign. NBA player updates subsequently noted the injury before his move to Los Angeles.
For the Lakers, maintaining his health will be an important part of his 2026-27 outlook.
Ziaire Williams and the Lakers’ 2026-27 Rotation
One of the most interesting developments entering training camp is Williams’ potential competition for a starting role.
A September 2026 report cited by NBA player news indicated that Williams was expected to compete with Jake LaRavia for the final spot in the Lakers’ starting five during training camp and preseason.
That does not mean Williams has been named a starter.
The distinction matters.
The Lakers’ final regular-season rotation had not been established at that point, so the competition should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a confirmed lineup decision.
Still, simply being in that conversation represents a significant opportunity for a player who has spent much of his career trying to establish a consistent NBA role.
What the Lakers Could Ask Ziaire Williams to Do
Williams does not need to dramatically transform his game immediately.
A practical Lakers role could involve:
- Spacing the floor
- Making open three-pointers
- Cutting without the ball
- Attacking closeouts
- Defending opposing wings
- Using his length to create turnovers
- Rebounding from the wing
- Running in transition
- Providing secondary scoring
If Williams can perform those tasks consistently, he does not need to average 15 or 20 points to have value.
For a team built around high-level creators, dependable complementary players can be extremely important.
Why the 2026-27 Season Matters
The 2026-27 season could be one of the most important points in Williams’ career.
At 25, he is still young enough to improve but experienced enough that NBA teams have a substantial body of work on which to evaluate him.
He is no longer being judged primarily on potential.
The question now is whether his potential can become consistent production.
A strong season with the Lakers could change the perception of Williams around the league.
If he shoots efficiently, stays healthy and earns consistent defensive assignments, he could establish himself as a long-term NBA rotation wing.
If his shooting remains inconsistent and his role stays limited, his career could continue as a series of short-term opportunities.
What Officials and Organizations Have Said
The Lakers officially added Williams during the 2026 offseason, and the NBA’s offseason transaction tracker confirms his move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles on a one-year deal.
The Lakers’ official roster currently lists him as a forward on the 2026-27 team.
There is not yet an official announcement naming Williams as a full-time starter.
Therefore, reports about him competing for a starting position should be treated as reported competition rather than a confirmed starting assignment.
That distinction is important as the Lakers move through preseason.
What Happens Next for Ziaire Williams?
The Lakers’ 2026-27 regular season is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2026, when Los Angeles hosts the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
Before that, the Lakers have preseason games that will give the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the roster.
The next stage for Williams is therefore about earning his role.
His performance in preseason and training camp should help determine whether he begins the regular season as:
- A starter
- A regular rotation forward
- A bench scoring option
- Or a deeper reserve
The competition will be closely watched because Williams’ physical profile gives him an opportunity to fill a useful role.
Why Ziaire Williams Matters to the Lakers
The Lakers need depth around their stars.
A roster cannot rely exclusively on its primary scorers, particularly during a long NBA season.
Williams offers a relatively low-risk opportunity to add size and experience without requiring the Lakers to develop a completely inexperienced player.
He has already played five NBA seasons.
He understands the league.
He has shown that he can score in double figures.
He has demonstrated three-point shooting ability.
And his 6-foot-9 frame gives him physical tools that many wing players do not possess.
The question is whether the Lakers can help him turn those tools into dependable production.
Ziaire Williams Career Outlook
The most reasonable projection for Williams entering the 2026-27 season is that he competes for a regular rotation role rather than being immediately treated as a star-level player.
His ceiling depends heavily on his shooting.
If he can push his three-point accuracy closer to league-average or better while maintaining his defensive activity, his size becomes considerably more valuable.
If he can also improve his decision-making and ability to attack closeouts, he could become more than a spot-up option.
The Lakers do not necessarily need him to become a high-volume scorer.
They need him to become dependable.
That may be the key word for his 2026 season.
What Fans Should Watch in 2026-27
There are several statistics and developments worth monitoring.
Three-point percentage
This could be the clearest indicator of whether Williams can establish himself as a consistent floor spacer.
Minutes
Consistent playing time would indicate that the coaching staff trusts him.
Defensive assignments
If Williams begins taking difficult wing assignments, that would be an important sign of his defensive development.
Turnovers
Reducing mistakes while playing alongside high-usage stars will be important.
Health
After dealing with a foot issue late in the previous season, staying healthy will be crucial.
Starting competition
His battle with Jake LaRavia for a potential starting role could provide one of the more interesting training-camp storylines.
Final Takeaway
Ziaire Williams enters the 2026-27 season with the Los Angeles Lakers at a pivotal point in his NBA career.
The former No. 10 overall pick has not yet reached the level expected when he entered the league in 2021, but his career has shown gradual signs of progress.
His 2025-26 season produced career-best marks in several categories, including 10.2 points per game and 1.4 steals per game, while he shot 85.0% from the free-throw line.
Now the Lakers are giving him another opportunity.
At 25, Williams combines experience, size, shooting potential and defensive length.
The 2026-27 season will determine whether those qualities can finally translate into a stable role.
The regular season begins October 21, and until the Lakers finalize their rotation, his exact role remains open.
For now, Ziaire Williams Lakers is a story about opportunity: a former lottery pick getting another chance to establish himself on one of the NBA’s biggest stages.
FAQs
Who is Ziaire Williams?
Ziaire Williams is a 25-year-old NBA forward who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was selected 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at Stanford.
When did Ziaire Williams join the Lakers?
Williams agreed to a one-year contract with the Lakers in July 2026 after becoming a free agent following the Brooklyn Nets’ decision to decline his team option.
What are Ziaire Williams’ career NBA stats?
Through five NBA seasons, Williams has averaged 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 269 regular-season games. He has shot 42.2% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range.
What were Ziaire Williams’ 2025-26 stats?
With Brooklyn in 2025-26, Williams averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 56 games. He shot 42.5% from the field, 34.3% from three and 85.0% from the free-throw line.
What position does Ziaire Williams play?
Williams is listed as a forward. At 6-foot-9, he has the size to play on the wing and potentially defend multiple perimeter positions.
Is Ziaire Williams expected to start for the Lakers?
His starting status has not been officially confirmed. Reports entering training camp indicated that Williams was expected to compete with Jake LaRavia for a potential starting position, so his exact role remains a preseason decision.
When does the Lakers’ 2026-27 season begin?
The Lakers are scheduled to open their 2026-27 regular season on October 21, 2026, against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
What are Ziaire Williams’ biggest strengths?
His biggest strengths are his 6-foot-9 size, perimeter scoring potential, shooting touch, length and defensive activity. His 1.4 steals per game in 2025-26 were a career high.
What does Ziaire Williams need to improve?
The biggest area is consistency, particularly from three-point range. His career three-point percentage is 32.2%, so becoming a more reliable perimeter shooter could significantly increase his value to the Lakers.
What is Ziaire Williams’ NBA outlook?
Williams projects as a potential rotation wing for the Lakers. His ability to defend, space the floor and contribute secondary scoring could determine how many minutes he receives. A more consistent three-point shot could raise his long-term ceiling.
