NBA Fines Lakers' Ziaire Williams $2,000 for Flopping
Williams is the first Lakers player to be fined this season, and one of three players fined for flopping in the opening week.
The NBA has fined Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams $2,000 for flopping during Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. The league announced the fine Monday afternoon, noting that Williams' violation occurred at a point of emphasis for the 2026-27 season.
The incident took place with 4:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, with the Lakers trailing 114-113. Williams was called for an offensive foul after exaggerating contact from Jazz guard Keyonte George during George's drive to the basket. George's attempted pull-up jumper would have given the Jazz a three-point lead, but the offensive foul resulted in the Lakers gaining possession.
Although the Lakers did not score on the ensuing possession, they ultimately secured a comeback victory. Luka Doncic led the charge in the game's final minutes, scoring 52 points to propel the Lakers to a win.
Williams' fine marks the first time a Lakers player has been penalized financially this season. He is also one of three players to receive a flopping fine in the first week of the regular season. Boston's Paul George and Milwaukee's Kasparas Jakučionis (twice) have also been fined for similar infractions.