The Los Angeles Lakers have long convinced veterans to join the franchise on below market value contracts, but that appears to be over after signing Ziaire Williams. From Marcus Smart to Malik Monk to Matt Barnes to Karl Malone, Los Angeles has long been a destination for veterans. Whether rehabbing their value or chasing a championship, the Lakers were a premium draw. That label may be gone.
The Lakers had cap space and paid the market rate for Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton. Their two minimum signings were Kevon Looney and Williams. Looney won three championships with the Warriors, but has played over 20 minutes per game just twice in his 11 NBA seasons. Williams has a negative-1.5 career value over replacement player (VORP), and 2026 was his first season where he produced positive value. These minimum signings are not exactly game-changers.
The Lakers hope Williams is the next Malik Monk, but that is a gamble. Every dollar counts in the second apron era, so those bargain veterans mean even more. They were out there, but went elsewhere in free agency.
Ziaire Williams signing proves Lakers lost edge in landing discount free agents
The Lakers gave Williams their 15th roster spot. Additional moves are likely coming via trade, but that doesn't change the fact that Los Angeles failed to get surplus value in free agency.
There were bargains. Tobias Harris, Landry Shamet, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Jordan Clarkson all took less money to join or stay with contenders. The Spurs landed Harris at the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Shamet and Clarkson helped the defending champion Knicks stay under the second apron. Oubre Jr. joined the Pacers to assist in Tyrese Haliburton’s return. There were bargains, but the Lakers weren’t the ones benefiting.
Players still want to play for the Lakers, but they didn’t take discounts to do it. Austin Reaves gave back some salary to give the franchise more flexibility. That is as close to a discount as LA got this offseason.
There will be more discount signings as the offseason wears on, but the Lakers roster is full. They chose Looney and Williams over the remaining crop. Instead of landing a Bruce Brown or a Nick Richards, the Lakers got a three-time champion clearly in decline and an unproven wing they hope to help reach his potential. There was no Malone, Barnes, or Smart. Just a declining veteran and a project.
The Los Angeles Lakers have lost their ability to get a discount in free agency. Losing LeBron James didn’t help matters. Los Angeles is a draw, but veterans want to chase rings. The Lakers are not quite there and have several new pieces. It makes sense that the ring chasers wanted to stay away.
It could return quickly if Luka Doncic makes the purple and gold a serious title contender, but winning one playoff series in three years isn’t enough. Number 77 is eager to win a championship and return the Lakers to glory. They lost this crown, but Luka will get it back. Bank on that.
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