Lakers new players open up on significant of joining franchise

For Ziaire Williams, signing with the Lakers was even more significant compared to most of the team’s offseason additions.

Williams, the 25-year-old forward the Lakers signed to a veteran’s minimum contract after playing for the Grizzlies (2021-24) and Nets (2024-26), was born about 60 miles north of Los Angeles in Lancaster.

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He was born just after the second championship of the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal/Kobe Bryant-led three-peat in the early 2000s, and was a kid when Bryant led the franchise to two more championships in 2009 and ’10.

Joining the Lakers is a homecoming for Ziaire Williams. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Williams went to high school at Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks before transferring to Sierra Canyon for his senior year, playing alongside his now Lakers teammate Bronny James.

He referred to joining the Lakers as a “full circle” moment.

“It’s a blessing, man,” Williams said. “I remember being six years old in a YMCA Junior Lakers jersey in Lancaster. Just growing up and seeing the LA culture, watching the the championship parades on the street. It’s purple and gold everywhere, man. My family bleeds purple and gold, so just to be able to throw the jersey on and be able to play on the biggest stage of the world is a blessing for sure.”

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Williams isn’t alone one of the Lakers’ new additions who grew up loving the franchise.

Collin Sexton, the veteran guard the Lakers signed to a two-year deal (player option for 2027-28), said during the Lakers Monday media day that he “grew up loving Kobe Bryant”.

Walking into the Lakers’ practice facility brought back memories for Sexton, who reflected on watching the team’s games when he was a little kid, but also talking with fans of the franchise since joining the team this summer.

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“You can tell they love their team,” Sexton said. “I’m super excited to be here and just thankful to be a part of the organization. I can remember my first basketball recreation [team], I was playing for the Lakers jersey, number 10, so that’s why I also chose number 10. So I…

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Publish date : 2026-09-29 00:26:00

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