The Los Angeles Lakers knew that point-of-attack defense has been a weakness of the team for several years, and it would need to be addressed as they revamped the roster this summer. They didn’t fully address it with their major signings — Quentin Grimes is the only non-negative POA defender they gave a multi-year contract to — but they tried to with their marginal signings in Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle.
Williams and Thybulle both received one-year minimum deals from L.A. this summer, as both are flawed, or injury-prone, players with elite defensive skill sets. Williams, in particular, knows that defense is his calling card, and spends his offseason work ensuring he can continue that trend each season, via Ryan Ward on SI:
“Absolutely. Defense is making sure your body’s right, being staying in shape and definitely doing a lot of cardio and a lot of work. We worked hard every day, and now it definitely paid off. So summer’s not over yet, but I’m definitely happy where I’m at right now.”
Defense itself is seen more as a mentality than an ability. Most NBA players — especially those at Williams’ size — could be good defenders, but it’s about if they want to commit themselves to the work that goes into being a good defender. Williams clearly wants to, and knows that it’s his ticket to being in the NBA for a long time.
The forward will play a massive role on the defensive end for the Lakers this season, as he is one of their best-graded point of attack defenders and is one of the best players in the league at getting into passing lanes and forcing deflections and turnovers on the perimeter.
Ziaire Williams discusses offseason work
Williams knows he has an important season ahead, playing for the Lakers while on an expiring contract. With that, his offseason regimen might be more important than ever, and he discussed the type of work he’s putting in.
“Definitely first and foremost, getting stronger, making sure my body is right. I feel like availability is the best ability.
“Bulletproofing in my body, armoring up for the long season plus playoffs. Just keeping the game simple, being more efficient with my shooting, finishing at the rim, making closeout reads and simplifying the game.
“Six years in, I kind of know where I thrive and what I need to get better, and where my spots will be out on the court. Fine-tuning certain things.”
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