Stock Watch: Lakers Week One

Oct 29, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Shawne Williams (3) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 116-103. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Down: Shawne Williams

Another preseason, or at least training camp, darling, Williams has done nothing to warrant his inclusion in the starting lineup through the first three games. He’s shooting a putrid 20% from the field, 16.7% from the free throw line, has as many fouls (6) as points. His saving grace so far has been his hustle and defense. More than few times, Williams has rotated well and met players at the rim, rejecting a couple shots in his first two games and altering many more.

In order to recover, Williams HAS to start knocking down shots, plain and simple. He’s seen many open looks and the more he struggles, the more open he’s going to be. He’s exactly the type of player D’Antoni wants at the power forward position (a stretch four), but he isn’t producing. With MDA hinting at lineup tinkering, the likelihood of Williams remaining in the starting lineup seems slim. Still, his ability to shoot and D’Antoni’s love of stretch fours could put him back into the starting unit.