Johnathan Williams brings size and skills to London's frontcourt

A veteran of the NBA and EuroCup, Williams strengthens the Lions' push for glory

The London Lions have bolstered their frontcourt with the signing of Johnathan Williams, a seasoned big man with a globe-spanning résumé and EuroCup and NBA experience.

Williams (2.06 meters, 30 years old) returns to the EuroCup after spending most of the past four seasons in Japan. Last season, he averaged 11.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 blocks for the Chiba Jets. His other stops in Japan were with the Toyotsu Fighting Eagles, Toyama Grouses and Veltex Shizuoka.

A standout at Gonzaga University, Williams helped lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA championship game in 2017 and was an All-West Coast Conference First team selection after his senior season. He began his professional career in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018-19, when he also suited up for the team's G League affiliate. Williams came to Europe the next season and starred for Israeli club Maccabi Rishon Lezion, for which he posted 11.3 points and 7.8 boards in nine EuroCup games.

Williams finished that season back in the NBA with the Washington Wizards. He split the 2020-21 season between Galatasaray Istanbul in Turkiye and NINERS Chemnitz in Germany. Williams was back in the EuroCup with Dolomiti Energia Trento the year after that before starting his run in Japan. He has also played briefly in the Philippines and Kuwait.