​The Los Angeles Lakers’ chase for Jonathan Kuminga has hit a series of roadblocks, prompting the franchise to keep a contingency plan in place. As Los Angeles aims to complete its offseason puzzle, the front office is seeking a starting-caliber wing who can seamlessly integrate with the reshuffled roster surrounding Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. While Kuminga remains the prized target at 23, the obstacles in landing him have led the Lakers to keep an alternative option on the table in case the pursuit falls through.
According to The California Post, the Lakers have been closely monitoring Ziaire Williams, a 24-year-old forward who became an unrestricted free agent after opting out of a contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Williams’ market situation makes him an intriguing fallback for Los Angeles. He had a notable season, coming off a career year with the Nets, whose management declined Williams’ $6.3 million team option, allowing him to explore free agency. In 2023-24, Williams averaged 10.2 points and 1.4 steals per game, a modest yet encouraging production arc for a player who was selected 10th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2021 NBA Draft. While his NBA career has not yet reflected the high expectations of a top-10 pick, Williams is still developing and could benefit from a change of scenery and a clearer role within a Lakers system that values versatility.
With an estimated market value below $6 million, Williams represents a tantalizing low-risk, potentially high-reward acquisition for a franchise that is looking to optimize its roster without depleting its long-term assets. He could slot into a frontcourt rotation alongside Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Adou Thiero, offering defensive versatility and scoring potential without demanding a prominent role on a championship-contending squad. In this context, Williams could be an appealing buy-low option, giving the Lakers a chance to harvest upside from a player who is still maturing and who just delivered the best statistical year of his career.
The Lakers’ asset situation is precarious after their recent activity and the constraints posed by their cap space. The club added Walker Kessler to the mix and signed players such as Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton, further tightening the screws on their payroll and draft-capital flexibility. Kuminga represents a high-ceiling, high-visibility target whose potential fits what Los Angeles wants to accomplish, but the economics have proven troublesome. Kuminga is reportedly seeking a contract around $25 million annually, while the Lakers have only been able to offer a two-year deal totaling roughly $20 million, according to The Stein Line. This creates a significant gap in value between what Kuminga seeks and what the Lakers can provide in their current framework.
Another layer of complexity involves the sign-and-trade dynamics with the Atlanta Hawks. Reports suggest that Atlanta does not want to be burdened with Vanderbilt’s outgoing $12.3 million salary, which complicates a potential sign-and-trade that would involve the Lakers’ remaining draft asset, the 2032 first-round pick swap. If a third team could be found to take Vanderbilt’s contract while absorbing a lesser return for the Lakers’ draft asset, the Kuminga pursuit might regain momentum. Absent such a workaround, the pursuit could stall, leaving Los Angeles to reassess its options and pivot to Plan B.
In evaluating Williams as a potential addition, the Lakers would be betting on a player who is still projecting upward. His skill set and physical profile could mesh well with the Lakers’ core, particularly given Dončić and Reaves’ ballhandling and shooting capabilities. Williams could function well as a secondary playmaker and reliable defender, contributing as a connector on the wing and providing another mid-range scorer capable of creating his own shot off the dribble. While he might not be a guaranteed starter, his presence could contribute meaningfully to a frontcourt rotation that currently features Vanderbilt, LaRavia, and Thiero.
Beyond Williams, the Lakers’ strategies reflect a broader theme: maximize upside while preserving flexibility. Kuminga’s allure remains substantial due to his age, athleticism, and versatility, but the price tag and potential tax implications pose barriers. If the Lakers cannot bridge the gap on a maximum or near-maximum deal, they will likely lean on a value-add such as Williams to fortify their wings, add depth, and maintain the organizational alignment they are pursuing around Dončić and Reaves. The situation emphasizes the delicate balancing act the Lakers face: chase a high-upside star when feasible, yet avoid overextending resources and compromising long-term flexibility for a single acquisition.
In the end, the Lakers’ pursuit of Kuminga may hinge on a combination of market maneuvers, third-team collaborations, and strategic outsourcing of players who can absorb meaningful minutes without destabilizing the cap structure. If their plan to acquire a starting-caliber wing stalls, Williams could emerge as a constructive stopgap—an opportunity for growth that could unlock tangible returns down the road while the team continues to position itself for sustained competitiveness. Whether Kuminga lands in Los Angeles or another path unfolds, the Lakers remain intent on finalizing their offseason puzzle with a frontcourt-anchored, wing-oriented core that can complement Dončić and Reaves as they push toward a deeper playoff run.