Of all the roster moves the Los Angeles Lakers made this offseason, one that has arguably garnered the least fanfare and attention was the signing of wing Ziaire Williams. A former lottery pick back in 2021, Williams has steadily improved throughout his first five years in the NBA, and now has the opportunity to have real breakout season in his first year in purple and gold.
The good news for Williams is that head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka made it clear exactly what they are looking for from him on this team, and that is to be a primary, point-of-attack defender, via Benjamin Royer of the Southern California News Group:
Williams said in his early conversations with Lakers coach JJ Redick and President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, they have told him that their focus for him is “first and foremost, being a main defender, point-of-attack defender.”
Standing at 6’9″, Williams has the physical tools and athleticism to defend multiple positions. While he is on the thinner side, he has proven that he can impact the game on that end of the floor. And as for the offensive side, he knows that he just has to do a good job of playing off Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves:
“Obviously Luka (Doncic) and AR (Austin Reaves) are going to be the main primary ball handlers,” Williams said. “So just playing off them, being able to shoot, cut, make plays in transition, stuff like that. They thought it was a great fit for me to be here, and the feeling was mutual.”
Williams’ toolset is undoubtedly an ideal fit on this Lakers team. He is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals. His points and steals were both career-highs as was his 34.3% mark from 3-point range. And while that number is a relatively average one, he should be getting far more wide-open looks playing alongside the Lakers’ star backcourt duo.
Of course, Williams will have to earn his spot in Redick’s rotation and will be competing with players such as Matisse Thybulle and Adou Thiero to be lockdown defensive wings. But the opportunity is there and the Southern California native will be looking to make a big impact for the Lakers in his return home.
Robert Horry interested to see how new-look Lakers will perform
Williams is one of many new faces on this Lakers roster that has been completely remade this offseason and former Lakers player and Spectrum SportsNet analyst Robert Horry is looking forward to seeing how this team looks once the games begin.
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