When Jonathan Kuminga chose the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Los Angeles Lakers, one question was immediately being asked by most in Laker land. That would be: Who joins the starting lineup in the wake of Kuminga not being the answer at forward?
Ziaire Williams has confidence in it being him. The newly-arrived forward was already projected to be a part of the rotation in Los Angeles, with or without Kuminga. Without the added competition, there is a much more realistic path for Williams to make his mark.
Ryan Ward of Sports Illustrated asked Ziaire in an exclusive interview whether the Lakers forward saw a legitimate opportunity to start after Kuminga's decision to join the Timberwolves. Williams did not shy away from answering the question with a ton of self-belief.
“Yeah, I do, and I mean that's the GM's job, right, to put the best pieces together to try to win a championship. I don't think it's altered whether or not Kuminga was here. I wish him the best of luck in Minnesota."
Ziaire Williams' path to starting is easier without Jonathan Kuminga in Los Angeles
Williams added that Los Angeles is focused on the guys in the building, making a deep playoff run and pushing for a championship. Ziaire told Ward he believed the tools are in place for the Lakers to do so.
The 24-year-old now finds himself in an excellent position to be a big part of that push. Had Kuminga have joined the Lakers, Williams would have likely found himself around the eighth or ninth man in the rotation. Instead, Ziaire stands out to most as the best option to fill that final starter spot.
Williams is a capable defender, which is the primary need at that position for the Lakers. It does not stop just there, though.
The work on improving as a 3-point shooter has not gone unnoticed. Williams shot an encouraging 43.8 percent on wide open looks last season. Sharing the floor with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves should create those types of shots with regularity.
Ziaire has also bulked up this summer. Williams told everyone he has gotten up to about 215 pounds. That is a noticeable jump in size and strength from his previously-listed 185 pounds.
Is it safe to consider Williams the frontrunner for the vacant starting gig? Barring a notable trade that brings back a legit starting-caliber forward, it would be safe to view him as such.
Williams has the skill set, the focus, and the opportunity without Kuminga. It should not surprise anyone to see him maximize this one-year, prove-it deal with the Lakers and set himself up for a long-term future in the NBA.
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