Photo: Brooklyn Nets/Youtube

Ziaire Williams is looking forward to returning home after signing a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 24-year-old forward, who was raised in Lancaster, California, said the opportunity to join the Lakers was the right fit beyond the appeal of playing in front of family and friends.

“I just thought it was a great opportunity,” Williams told Benjamin Royer of The Southern California News Group, per Hoops Rumors. “Being that big wing, versatile player that they needed, I just thought it was a great opportunity for me to be a Laker.”

Williams added that the location made the move particularly meaningful after spending the previous two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets.

“And then just being back home in L.A. is the cherry on top. Being able to play in front of my family and my friends, and I’m super excited. It’s all full circle.”

Williams was selected 10th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2021 NBA Draft and spent his first three seasons with Memphis before joining Brooklyn. He averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 56 games for the Nets during the 2025-26 season.

His shooting numbers also improved slightly from the previous season. Williams shot 42.5% from the field, 34.3% from three-point range and 85.0% from the free-throw line while attempting 4.5 three-pointers per game.

Over five NBA seasons, Williams has averaged 8.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game. He has shot 42.2% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range across 269 regular-season appearances.

The Lakers are adding Williams to a substantially reworked roster after finishing 53-29 and fourth in the Western Conference last season. Los Angeles reached the Western Conference semifinals before being swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Williams also has an existing connection to the Lakers through Bronny James. The two played together at Sierra Canyon High School, although Williams’ NBA role now comes as the Lakers transition into a roster built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves following LeBron James’ departure.

Los Angeles also added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton on multi-year contracts while acquiring Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade.