{"id":205242,"date":"2026-07-17T10:55:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T14:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=205242"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:55:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T14:55:12","slug":"lakers-depth-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/17\/lakers-depth-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"Projecting Lakers Depth Chart as They Are Still Looking to Improve Perimeter Defense"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be among the most active teams in the open market. The Lakers are reportedly still looking to tinker with their roster despite having 15 players on standard contracts, with the recent signing of Ziaire Williams.<\/a><\/p>\n

Projecting Lakers Depth Chart as They Are Still Looking to Improve Perimeter Defense<\/h2>\n

Williams surprisingly inked a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Lakers<\/a> on Monday. Williams, whose team option was declined by the Nets, is an athletic wing who fits well with the Lakers as they continue to build around Luka Doncic<\/a>. He is long and can guard all five positions. Additionally, the 25-year-old has developed into a “3-and-D” rotational piece –making 1.6 threes and a 51.7% effective field goal percentage over the last two seasons — and is a good cutter.<\/p>\n

Williams is coming off a solid season, averaging 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Williams drained 1.5 threes with shooting splits of 42.5\/34.3\/85.0. He scored in double figures in 31 of his 56 contests, with three 20-point games.<\/p>\n

Williams is the eighth newcomer for the Lakers this year.\u00a0 Williams figures to be a major part of a big competition for time on the second unit during training camp. He has an edge over several players heading into camp due to his versatility and defensive prowess.<\/p>\n

However, Williams may not be the last newcomer. The Lakers are enamored with Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>, though his free agent decision is reportedly tied to LeBron James.<\/a>\u00a0 Yesterday, NBA Insider Marc Stein revealed that the Lakers are interested in Matisse Thybulle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Lakers have again broadened their search for perimeter defense, league sources say, registering interest this week in free agent Matisse Thybulle.<\/p>\n

They have already added Ziaire Williams while also continuing to pursue Jonathan Kuminga.<\/p>\n

More NBA: https:\/\/t.co\/mNpuuR3uFh<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/8kIkm2jULS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 16, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n