Los Angeles Lakers player Ziaire Williams has stated he would flop again if it meant securing a win, despite receiving a $2,000 fine for the infraction. The fine was issued Monday for an incident during Sunday's comeback victory against the Utah Jazz.
Williams, when asked about the league's ruling, indicated that while he does not necessarily agree with the fine, he acknowledges it as a league rule. "I paid my fine. If I gotta flop again to get a win, then that’s what I’ll do," Williams told Khobi Price of the California Post.
Williams has also requested his agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports, to explore the possibility of appealing the fine. "I thought it was a good defensive play," Williams said. "... I sent it to my agent; hopefully we can appeal it, but if not, it is what it is."
The incident occurred with 4:44 remaining in the fourth quarter when Williams exaggerated contact as Jazz guard Keyonte George attempted a midrange shot. George was subsequently called for an offensive foul, leading to the Lakers gaining possession.
The NBA began fining players $2,000 for flopping prior to the 2023-2024 season. Williams is currently the only Lakers player to have been fined for flopping this season. "I’m not mad about [it] or anything, and it’s not going to affect the way I play defense. I’m always going to do what it takes to win," Williams stated.