Ziaire Williams is not a name most Lakers fans were chanting for this summer. Yet after a strong preseason and a perfect run from three-point range, the 25-year-old forward went into opening night as one of the most talked-about role players on the roster. Here is a clear look at who he is, how he got to Los Angeles, and what he can realistically give the team this season.

Who is Ziaire Williams?

Ziaire Williams Jr. was born on September 12, 2001, in Lancaster, California, and wears No. 11 for the Los Angeles Lakers. His first name is pronounced “zy-AIR.” He is listed at 6-foot-9 and 185 pounds, plays small forward and sometimes power forward, and is the only child of two parents who both served in the military.

He started playing basketball at five and was training under his father by eight. After three years at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, he transferred to Sierra Canyon for his senior year, where he played alongside Bronny James and Zaire Wade. He averaged 15 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists that season, helped Sierra Canyon win the CIF Southern Section Open Division title, and was named the Los Angeles Times player of the year.

Stanford and the 2021 NBA Draft

Williams was a consensus five-star recruit and the top small forward in the 2020 class. He picked Stanford over Arizona, USC, North Carolina and UCLA.

His one season with the Cardinal was up and down. He averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 37.4 percent. One highlight stood out: a 12-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double against Washington, the first by a Stanford player since 2007. He declared for the draft after that single season and was picked 10th overall in 2021 by New Orleans, then traded to Memphis.

Memphis and Brooklyn: the career so far

His Grizzlies years were slowed by injuries, including an ankle problem and a right knee injury that kept him out for the first 24 games of 2022-23. One moment people still remember is his 79-foot buzzer-beater against the Suns in January 2023.

In July 2024 he was traded to Brooklyn. His best production came there:

Season	Team	GP	PPG	RPG	APG
2021-22	Memphis	62	8.1	2.1	1.0
2022-23	Memphis	37	5.7	2.1	0.9
2023-24	Memphis	51	8.2	3.5	1.5
2024-25	Brooklyn	63	10.0	4.6	1.3
2025-26	Brooklyn	56	10.2	2.4	1.1
Career		269	8.7	3.0	1.2

How the Lakers signed him

Brooklyn declined his $6.25 million option in June 2026, which made him a free agent. In July, the Lakers agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with him, according to ESPN’s reporting. Contract-tracking sites list the figure slightly lower at around $2.85 million, so reports differ a little on the exact number. ESPN

The timing mattered. The Lakers had lost both LeBron James and Rui Hachimura in free agency, leaving a thinner frontcourt that needed length, athleticism and defensive energy. ESPN

Preseason: the breakout and the foot scare

Williams made noise right away. In the first preseason game against Sacramento on October 5, he scored 13 points with a steal and hit three three-pointers, while setting the tone with full-court ball pressure. Then he missed three games with swelling in his left foot. He returned to practice fully before the finale and was back in action against Denver, where he threw down a dunk over Nikola Jokic.

Across his preseason, he made all five of his three-point attempts, although five shots is far too small a sample to prove anything about his shooting. Defense is the main reason the Lakers wanted him, and shooting is the bonus. yardbarker

Coach JJ Redick has been openly supportive. He said he liked Williams from the days when he coached against him and believes there is room for growth. Williams himself seems to feel the same about the situation. He said playing with high-level playmakers makes his life “definitely easier.” lakersnationYahoo Sports

Opening night against the Warriors

The Lakers opened the season with a 127-105 win over Golden State at home. Ziaire Williams finished with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal on 4-of-7 shooting, including 1-of-2 from three. Walker Kessler led the team with 26 points and 9 rebounds, and Austin Reaves added 23.

It was a quiet night for Williams by the numbers, but efficient, and the Lakers pulled away in the second and third quarters. That role fits what the team asked of him: take good shots, defend, move the ball.

How Ziaire Williams fits with Luka Doncic

Think of him as a connector. He is a long, athletic wing who can attack closeouts, finish at the rim and defend multiple positions, which is useful next to a playmaker like Luka Doncic who draws constant attention. If his three-point shot holds up even at a league-average level, his minutes will grow. If it does not, other forwards on the roster are pushing hard for the same spots.

What to watch this season

• Three-point percentage. He shot 34.3 percent last season on the Nets, so this is the biggest swing factor.
• Health. His career has been interrupted by injuries more than once, so staying on the floor matters.
• Starting role versus bench role. Redick has options, and the rotation may keep changing early in the season.
• Defensive stats. Steals and deflections are where he can make the clearest impact.

FAQs about Ziaire Williams

How old is Ziaire Williams?
He is 25 years old, born September 12, 2001.

What team does Ziaire Williams play for?
He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, after previous stops with the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets.

What is Ziaire Williams’ height and position?
He is listed at 6-foot-9 and plays small forward or power forward.

Where did Ziaire Williams go to college?
He played one season at Stanford in 2020-21 before declaring for the NBA draft.

What is Ziaire Williams’ contract with the Lakers?
He signed a one-year deal reported at about $3 million.

What is Ziaire Williams’ jersey number?
He wears No. 11 for the Lakers.

Did Ziaire Williams play with Bronny James before?
Yes. They were teammates at Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles.