Ziaire Williams isn’t backing away from the kind of defense that just cost him $2,000.
The Lakers forward was fined by the NBA for flopping during Los Angeles’ 132-123 comeback win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday in Salt Lake City, but Williams said the punishment won’t alter how he plays. In his view, the contact in question was part of a defensive possession that mattered.
“That’s just what the league did, man. Do I agree with it?
Not necessarily, but I mean, it’s the league rules, so whatever they said, that’s how it goes,” Williams said, via Law Murray of The Athletic. “You know, I’ll pay my fine, and if I gotta flop again to get a win, that’s what I’ll do.”
The play came late in the fourth quarter, with a little under five minutes remaining and the Lakers down one. Williams was matched up with Keyonte George, who was called for an offensive foul after using his off hand to shove Williams. Williams then flew backward on the contact, and the league later determined he had exaggerated it.
Williams, though, didn’t see it that way. He said he considered it a strong defensive play and is hoping the fine can be overturned.
“I thought it was a good defensive play, but like I said, it is what it is,” Williams said. “I sent it to my agent, and hopefully we should appeal it and get my money back, but if not, it is what it is.”
The NBA has said flopping will be an area of focus for the 2026-27 season, but Williams made it clear he doesn’t plan to dial anything back on that end of the floor.
“I’m not mad about it or anything. It’s not going to affect the way I play defense,” Williams said. “I’m always going to do whatever it takes to win.”
That edge has helped Williams carve out a major role early for his hometown team. The Los Angeles native has started all three games for the Lakers, averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 52.2% from the field and 41.7% from three.
Against Utah, he was especially active, posting 11 points, three steals and a block as the Lakers wiped out an 18-point deficit to move to 3-0.
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