Bronny James' High School Teammate Signs with Lakers Amid Kuminga Pursuit
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Ziaire Williams, a 6'9" high school teammate of Bronny James, to a one-year, $3 million minimum contract. This move comes as the Lakers continue to pursue Jonathan Kuminga, a potential starting forward.
On Monday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Lakers had signed Ziaire Williams. The 24-year-old Williams is a good defender and has the tools to contribute on both sides of the court. He was a teammate of Bronny James at Sierra Canyon High School and won a gold medal as a member of the USA U19 in 2019.
Bronny James' high school teammate signing with the Lakers is a significant move for the young basketball star. It shows that the Lakers are committed to building a strong team around Bronny James and are willing to invest in his future.
The Lakers' pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga is still ongoing, and Williams' signing will not hamper their efforts. In fact, the Lakers are still strongly pursuing Kuminga as a potential starting forward. The team had previously added several players, including Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.
Williams averaged 10.2 points and 22.9 minutes for the Nets last season and enters his sixth campaign. He is very good in isolation, solid with working passing lanes and chasing. For a vet minimum, the Lakers have taken the right bet on an athletic 6'9" wing in his early 20s.
The Purple and Gold's spending spree is over $250 million for a complete overhaul. They had previously added several players, and Williams' signing brings their roster to full capacity. This means they would need to shed a player or two to make room for Jonathan Kuminga.
Contractually, Dalton Knecht or Jarred Vanderbilt were linked with an exit, which would eventually bring JK. Charania added that Los Angeles "continues to strongly pursue Jonathan Kuminga as a potential starting forward." So, Williams' deal won't hamper the pursuit of Kuminga.
NBA insider Jake Fischer, during Sunday's Bleacher Report livestream from NBA Summer League, reaffirmed the franchise's belief in the Congolese forward.