Ziaire Williams is poised to become a vital asset for the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming NBA season. The 6-foot-9 forward signed a one-year contract worth $2.45 million in July, marking a fresh start with the franchise. While he is still developing as a player, Williams has the potential to earn increased playing time if he continues to enhance various aspects of his game.
During the previous season, Williams played for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 10.2 points and 1.4 steals over 22.9 minutes per game. At just 24 years old, he has established himself as a strong defender with notable athleticism, which the Lakers hope to leverage this season.
In conversations with Lakers head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka, Williams learned that his primary focus will be on defense. According to reports from Benjamin Royer of the Southern California News Group, Redick and Pelinka emphasized the importance of Williams serving as a key point-of-attack defender. This role is crucial, as the Lakers have struggled to find reliable perimeter defenders in recent years.
Williams is not alone in this endeavor; he joins fellow defenders Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle, who are also expected to help strengthen the Lakers' defense. However, the extent of Williams' playing time may ultimately hinge on his contributions on the offensive side of the court. He appears to have a solid understanding of how he can support the team's offensive efforts.
"Obviously Luka (Doncic) and AR (Austin Reaves) are going to be the main primary ball handlers," Williams noted. "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."
Improving his outside shooting will be particularly important for Williams. Throughout his first three seasons in the NBA, he struggled with his three-point shooting. However, in the last two seasons, he has shown improvement, shooting 34.1% and 34.3% from beyond the arc, respectively. While these percentages are not elite, they indicate progress, especially considering he made 43.8% of his wide-open three-point attempts last season, defined as shots taken with the nearest defender at least six feet away.
The Lakers are currently seeking a two-way starting wing or forward, a position that remains a significant gap in their roster. If Williams can continue to develop his offensive game alongside his defensive skills, he could find himself in contention for that coveted role as the season unfolds.
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