Lou Williams
Toronto Raptors guard Lou Williams (23) goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings during a game in Toronto last season. Williams has signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Reuters/Tom Szczerbowski/USA Today Sports

Lou Williams, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award winner last season, is going to the Los Angeles Lakers after signing a three-year deal worth $21 million. RealGM’s Shams Charania, who added that the deal is fully guaranteed with no player or team options attached, was one of the first to report the signing.

The 28-year-old Williams drew interest from his previous team, the Toronto Raptors, as well as the Sacramento Kings during this offseason. But the Raptors ultimately decided to let Williams go and instead give a huge deal to free agent forward DeMarre Carrol, previously of the Atlanta Hawks.

The Lakers missed out on the more prominent free agents, such as LaMarcus Aldridge (to the San Antonio Spurs), Greg Monroe (to the Milwaukee Bucks) and Kevin Love (to the Cleveland Cavaliers). Instead, the Lakers’ offseason signings have included Brandon Bass and Roy Hibbert, who will be acquired in a trade Thursday, in accordance with NBA rules.

The acquisition of Williams, who is known more for his offense than defense, also raised questions about the type of roster the Lakers will have next season. Los Angeles already has promising guard Jordan Clarkson, who started some games last season; shooting guard Nick Young, who is also known for his offensive game; and combo guard D'Angelo Russell, who was the No. 2 overall pick in last month's NBA Draft. The Lakers, of course, also have superstar Kobe Bryant, who also plays the shooting guard spot.

Williams, as the best player coming off the bench last season, averaged 15.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 80 games for the Raptors.

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