Ziaire Williams believes he can earn a starting role with the Lakers, even though his opportunity was not dependent on Jonathan Kuminga signing elsewhere.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ failure to land Jonathan Kuminga could create a larger role for one of their newest additions.
Kuminga signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after drawing significant interest from Los Angeles. The Lakers viewed the athletic forward as a potential starter, but his decision left them without an obvious fifth player alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes and Walker Kessler.
Ziaire Williams believes he can earn that position. However, he does not think his opportunity with the Lakers was entirely dependent on Kuminga choosing another team.
During an exclusive interview with Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI, Williams was asked whether Kuminga’s decision created a legitimate chance for him to start immediately.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets forwardZiaireWilliams(1) runs on the court during the second half against the Los AngelesLakersat Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images“Yeah, I do, and I mean that’s the GM’s job, right, to put the best pieces together to try to win a championship,” Williams said.
“I don’t think it’s altered whether or not Kuminga was here. I wish him the best of luck in Minnesota, but as a team, we’re focused on the guys we have and making a deep playoff run and winning an NBA championship, and I think we have the tools to do so.”
Williams Can Help Lakers Defensively
Williams will likely compete with Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Sandro Mamukelashvili for the remaining spot in JJ Redick’s starting lineup.
The Lakers need a forward capable of handling difficult defensive assignments alongside Dončić and Reaves. Both stars will carry significant offensive responsibilities, making defense, size and athleticism important qualities for the final starter.
Williams has the physical tools to fill that role. The 6-foot-9 forward can defend several positions, run the floor and contribute without needing the ball consistently.
He signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Lakers after spending the previous two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. Williams averaged 10.2 points last season while showing progress as a perimeter defender.
His outside shooting could ultimately determine how frequently he plays. Williams does not need to become an elite shooter, but he must punish defenses for leaving him open when Dončić and Reaves create opportunities.
Williams said improving his body and preparing for a long season have been among his primary offseason goals.
“Definitely first and foremost, getting stronger, making sure my body is right,” Williams said. “I feel like availability is the best ability.”
He has also worked on becoming a more efficient shooter, improving his finishing and making quicker decisions when attacking closeouts.
Slovenia Trip Accelerated Team Bonding
Williams has already started building relationships with his new teammates.
He attended the Lakers’ offseason minicamp in Slovenia, where Dončić hosted the team for workouts and several off-court activities. The trip included golf, rowing, bowling, team dinners and an organized bonding event.
Williams said the players entered the trip without knowing each other particularly well but left feeling considerably more comfortable.
“We all went into that trip not really knowing each other, but now we’re a lot more comfortable,” Williams said. “Guys reach out, text each other and stuff like that. So I think that’ll do good for us in the season for sure.”
The Lakers also played basketball, but Williams believes learning about his teammates’ families and backgrounds was more valuable than simply completing drills together.
That chemistry could help Redick manage a roster featuring several new players. It could also help Williams as he tries to establish himself in the rotation.
Missing out on Kuminga did not improve the Lakers’ talent level, but it removed an established competitor for the starting forward position. Williams now has a clear opportunity to prove his defense, athleticism and developing offensive game can complement the Lakers’ stars.
