Williams announced Sunday in a YouTube video that he has retired from professional basketball.
After not playing professionally in 2022-23, the 36-year-old Williams is now opting to bring a formal end to his career following a 17-year run in the NBA that included stops with the 76ers, Hawks, Raptors, Lakers, Rockets and Clippers. After entering the league in 2005 as a second-round draft pick out of high school, Williams went on to win three Sixth Man of the Year Awards, tying Jamal Crawford for the most in NBA history. Williams ranks as the NBA's all-time leader in bench scoring, with 13,396 of his 15,593 career points coming as a reserve.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Not planning to retire
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Williams is not planning to retire and will be "proactive in talking to teams during free agency," per his agent Wallace Prather, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
The 17-year veteran's days as one of the league's best sixth men may be in the rearview mirror, but Williams still believes he has plenty to offer. He appeared in 56 games for the Hawks last season but saw only 14.3 minutes per game -- his fewest in any season since 2006-07. At this stage in his career, Williams may have trouble securing a larger role, but he'll likely draw plenty of interest on the open market as a veteran scoring option off the bench.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Remains out for Game 5
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Williams (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Heat, Brad Rowland of PeachtreeHoops.com reports.
Williams hasn't played since April 5. Delon Wright will once again act as the backup point guard to Trae Young during the Hawks' win-or-go-home matchup Tuesday.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Still out Sunday
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Williams (back) is out for Sunday's Game 4 against the Heat, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.
Williams hasn't played since April 5. He'll likely hold a fairly small role when he returns.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Out Friday
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Williams (back) is out for Friday's Game 3 against the Heat.
Williams hasn't played since April 5. He'll likely hold a fairly small role when he returns.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Out again Tuesday
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Williams (back) is out for Game 2 against the Heat on Tuesday, Brad Rowland of PeachtreeHoops.com reports.
The veteran continues to deal with back soreness and hasn't played since April 5. Delon Wright is expected to continue operating as the primary backup point guard to Trae Young during the duration of Williams' absence.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Out Sunday
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Williams (back) is out for Game 1 against the Heat on Sunday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.
The veteran continues to deal with back soreness and hasn't played since April 5. Even when available, he may only give the Hawks about 10 minutes per game in the postseason, if not fewer.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Out again
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Williams (back) will not play Friday against the Cavs, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.
Williams will miss a fifth straight game as he continues to deal with soreness in his lower back. The Hawks will need to win on Friday for Williams to have a chance to return at some point in the playoffs.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Still out Wednesday
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Williams (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's play-in matchup against the Hornets, Brad Rowland of PeachtreeHoops.com reports.
Collins missed three straight games to end the regular season and will remain sidelined for at least one additional contest. In his absence, Delon Wright should handle the majority of the backup point guard minutes behind Trae Young.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Remains out
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Williams (back) will not be available for Sunday's game at Houston.
This will be the third straight absence for the veteran to conclude the regular season. He should be considered very much questionable for the Hawks' play-in matchup later in the week.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Doubtful at Houston
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Williams (back) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Rockets.
Williams continues to periodically miss time down the stretch. Sunday will likely mark his third straight absence.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Ruled out Friday
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Williams (back) is out Friday against Miami, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.
Williams will be unavailable for a second consecutive game due to low-back discomfort. Delon Wright, Kevin Huerter and Skylar Mays should see additional playing time Friday.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Questionable at Miami
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Williams (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat, Brad Rowland of PeachtreeHoops.com reports.
Williams continues to periodically miss time down the stretch. An absence could open up more time for Delon Wright, Kevin Huerter and Skylar Mays.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Won't play Wednesday
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Williams has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Wizards due to low-back discomfort, Brad Rowland of PeachtreeHoops.com reports.
Williams played 11 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Raptors, but the veteran presumably tweaked his back during the contest as well. In his absence, Delon Wright will likely see a slightly larger role behind Trae Young.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Continues making history
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Williams closed with eight points (1-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT) and two rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 122-115 victory over the Nets.
This was the 1,000th career game off the bench for Williams, as he becomes the first player in NBA history to reach that figure -- the previous record was 984 games, held by Dell Curry. The 35-year-old guard is likely reaching the end of the road, however, as his 6.4 points per game is his worst mark since his second season in the league, way back in 2006-07 with the 76ers.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Good to go Saturday
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Williams (ankle) is available Saturday against the Nets.
Williams was held out Thursday against Cleveland due to ankle and back injuries. Across his last three appearances, he's averaged 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per game.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Likely to play Saturday
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Williams (ankle/back) is probable for Saturday's game against the Nets, Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Williams was held out Thursday against Cleveland due to ankle and back injuries, but he'll likely be back in action following a one-game absence. Across his last three appearances, he's averaged 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per game.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Out with multiple injuries
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Williams is out Thursday against the Cavaliers due to right ankle and low back discomfort.
Williams will sit out after three straight appearances. He continues to play a somewhat minimal role for the Hawks and hasn't scored in double digits since March 7. Delon Wright and Kevin Huerter could see more minutes.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Available vs. Warriors
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Williams (personal) is available for Friday's game against the Warriors, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.
Williams will return following a two-game absence. This month, he's averaged 5.7 points, 1.7 assists and 1.2 rebounds in 13.9 minutes.
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Hawks' Lou Williams: Remains out Wednesday
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Williams (personal) has been ruled out for Wednesday's contest against the Pistons, Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Williams will miss a second straight game due to personal reasons. His next chance to suit up will come Friday against the Warriors.
