Image Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers Finalize Anton Watson and Nate Williams Signings, Speculation Builds About Possible Walker Kessler Pursuit

Image Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have added two new faces to their roster just days before training camp begins.

The organization announced the signings of forward Anton Watson and guard Nate Williams on Saturday. Both players will have the chance to earn minutes either with the main roster or with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate.

Watson, drafted 54th overall by the Boston Celtics, spent his rookie season with the New York Knicks. He appeared in nine games, averaging 0.9 points in 2.4 minutes per contest. In the G League with the Westchester Knicks, Watson averaged 12.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Before entering the draft, he played college basketball at Gonzaga.

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Anton Watson and guard Nate Williams. pic.twitter.com/n2eisxJrmZ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 28, 2025

Williams, meanwhile, has seen time with both the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers. Over the last two seasons in Houston, he appeared in 42 games.

His rookie year came with Portland in 2022–23, where he averaged 10.6 points across five games. Williams has spent considerable time in the G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he averaged 17.3 points and 4.0 assists.

Lakers Eye Walker Kessler

The Lakers’ roster moves come as the team continues to draw headlines off the court. According to reports, Los Angeles has been linked to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, whose extension talks with the Jazz have stalled.

Kessler, who is approaching restricted free agency, has become a name to watch in trade speculation. For the Lakers, the possibility of adding him would bolster their frontcourt alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, adding size and defensive strength to the roster.

The Lakers will open training camp in early October after holding their media day on September 29. Their preseason tips off October 3 against the Phoenix Suns, marking Luka Doncic’s first full campaign with the franchise.

The moves to sign Watson and Williams, combined with ongoing speculation about Kessler, highlight what has already been a busy stretch for the Lakers following the recent extension for head coach JJ Redick.