Lakers star sends defiant $2,000 message to NBA after flopping fine

Lakers wing Ziaire Williams was fined $2,000 on Monday for flopping during Sunday’s comeback win against the Jazz.

On Tuesday, Williams was asked about the league’s ruling and said that if he had to do it again, he’d do it.

“Do I agree with it? Not necessarily, but it’s the league’s rule,” Williams told Khobi Price of the California Post. “I paid my fine. If I gotta flop again to get a win, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Ziaire Williams on the NBA fining him $2K for flopping late in Sunday's win over the Jazz.

Said he doesn't necessarily agree with the league's ruling ("I thought it was a good defensive play) and is hoping to appeal the fine. Added: "if I gotta flop again to get a win, then… https://t.co/oFY6KESqeG pic.twitter.com/etqpUqo0PH
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) October 27, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers player Malik Monk on the court. — Lakers forward Ziaire Williams opens up about being fined $2,000 for flopping.

Williams added that he asked his agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports, to look into appealing it.

“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.”

Williams was asked if the money has already been pulled from his bank account. “Oh, I’m pretty sure they did. I don’t know where that money is going, but they [took] it out of that account real quick.”

Williams’ flop happened at the 4:44 mark of the fourth quarter after he exaggerated contact when Jazz guard Keyonte George drove to the basket.

George’s attempted play was a midrange shot that would’ve put Utah up by three points. Instead, he was called for an offensive foul — resulting in Los Angeles gaining possession of the ball.

Los Angeles Lakers player dribbling the ball during a game against the Utah Jazz. — The Lakers’ Ziaire Williams opens up about being fined $2,000 for flopping on Sunday.

While the Lakers went on to win the game, Williams said his play isn’t the worst flopping play the NBA has seen and is curious to see what happens the rest of the 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 said.

A Utah Jazz player in a purple uniform dribbles the ball past a Los Angeles Lakers defender during a game. — The Lakers’ Ziaire Williams attempts to block Jaren Jackson during the Lakers’ comeback victory Sunday.

Just before the 2023-2024 season, the NBA announced it would begin fining players $2,000 for flopping during games.

Through three games this season, the Lakers forward is the only player on the team to be fined for flopping.

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