Former Lakers two-way player Johnathan Williams is headed overseas to continue his playing career. Israeli team Maccabi Rishon announced today (via Twitter) that it has signed Williams to a contract for the 2019/20 season.
After going undrafted out of Gonzaga last spring, Williams spent the 2018/19 season on a two-way deal with the Lakers, spending most of his time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. The young forward/center averaged 15.3 PPG and 8.4 RPG in 36 NBAGL contests (27.3 MPG).
Williams also saw some playing time in the Lakers’ frontcourt near the start and end of the season. He appeared in 24 games for the NBA club, posting averages of 6.5 PPG and 4.1 RPG in 15.5 minutes per contest.
The Lakers initially tendered Williams a two-way qualifying offer, but withdrew it and renounced his rights early in the free agent period, making him an unrestricted free agent. Zach Norvell Jr. and Kostas Antetokounmpo are now L.A.’s two-way players.