The Los Angeles Lakers need a starting power forward, but they may already have the answer on their roster in Ziaire Williams. Some fans want the purple and gold to trade for PJ Washington after his success playing with Luka Doncic in Dallas. Washington is a stout defender, capable shooter, and strong rebounder. He played his best basketball next to the current Lakers star, and Luka may just be able to turn Williams into LA’s version of PJ.
Ziaire is two inches taller than Washington and reportedly gained 30 lbs. this offseason. He is still not up to PJ’s listed weight of 230 lbs., but both had shown early flashes on primarily rebuilding teams before pairing up with Luka at 25 years old. Washington instantly broke out as a high-quality role player after teaming with Doncic, and Williams is looking to do the same.
The new Laker enters training camp ready to seize the opportunity in front of him. Putting on weight shows Williams is already making strides. The 25-year-old hasn’t gotten a serious shot at playoff minutes since his rookie year in 2022. Williams has the tools to fully break out playing next to Luka.
Ziaire Williams keeps trending up
Williams is getting better. He saw his 3-point percentage rise for three straight years and shot 34.3 percent last season. That is still below league average, but the 6’9 forward wouldn’t be the first player Luka helped get over 36 percent from long range. Williams set new career-highs in points and steals per game last season, and it was his first year rating above replacement level by VORP.
It is not easy to glean anything from on-off metrics because the Nets were tanking. Brooklyn was trying to lose games to get a high draft pick, but there was still growth from Williams on both ends of the floor. He should be just entering his prime and will be on a contender for the first time in four years.
Ziaire Williams’ similarities to 2024 PJ Washington are difficult to ignore
The Mavericks traded for Washington at the 2024 trade deadline and reached the NBA Finals just four months later. The 6’7 forward was 25 years old and in his fifth NBA season.
Williams just turned 25 and is entering his sixth year. The difference was PJ played two years of college basketball to Ziaire’s one. Excluding Williams’ rookie season, he averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per 36 minutes. After his first four seasons, Washington put up 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per 36. PJ was a slightly better shooter, but arguably a worse defender than Williams.
Fans were baffled when Dallas traded for PJ. They thought it was an overpay until the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals with Washington starting at the four.
Washington is an inconsistent shooter, but Luka got him plenty of wide-open looks. Williams is already looking forward to those attempts. This should help the 6’9 forward’s percentages increase and make him a similar version to the Washington who played next to Luka in Dallas.
Lakers will struggle to keep Ziaire Williams if he makes PJ Washington leap
The Mavericks gave Washington a four-year, $88.7 million extension in September 2025 after his breakout. Luka was already traded to LA, and PJ’s shooting fell off without a difference-making point guard in Dallas last season. Players with size, defensive versatility, and an impact on winning get paid.
The Lakers signed Williams to a one-year minimum contract this offseason. The 6’9 forward knew playing next to Luka gives him a shot to get paid. Even become Derrick Jones Jr., Williams would get $10-plus million per year. Williams has higher upside than DJJ, especially if he can become an above-average shooter next to Doncic.
Washington was coming off the bench for Charlotte and shooting 32.4 percent from 3-point range before his midseason trade to Dallas. He became the difference-maker role player thanks to Luka and Kyrie Irving. Williams was in a similar spot in Brooklyn and has the potential to break out in LA playing next to two stars.
The Los Angeles Lakers hope Ziaire Williams becomes their version of PJ Washington next to Luka Doncic. Hitting on a cheap contract is massive in the second apron era. Credit to Rob Pelinka and the front office for taking a shot on a high-upside swing. Williams has the tools, and Luka has done it before.
Let’s hope Ziaire takes advantage and becomes the Lakers version of PJ Washington this season. The possibility is real, and the added weight has already increased the probability.
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