The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Sacramento Kings in their preseason opener, and Ziaire Williams showed exactly why he should win the starting power forward competition. He started the game guarding Kings’ point guard Darius Acuff and showed gains in his 3-point shooting. Williams finished with 13 points, one rebound, and one steal in a nearly perfect performance from a 3-and-D wing.
The Lakers need someone to guard on the ball with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves starting in the backcourt. Williams is 6’9 with the athleticism to contain point guards. His length is disruptive. Los Angeles started Ziaire, Quentin Grimes, and Matisse Thybulle with Austin Reaves out on Monday night. It was a chance for all three to play with Luka. Each had moments, but it was Williams who looked most capable of making a two-way impact against every opponent.
The Lakers remade their roster in the offseason. They have nine new players, which made the preseason debut in Sacramento even more impressive. Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, and Reaves didn’t play, but Los Angeles played aggressive defense and was connected on offense. They dominated in every facet, and fans saw exactly why Williams should start.
Ziaire Williams can fill Lakers' need to defend on the ball
Fans shouldn’t be shocked Williams stood out in the preseason opener. He has been making waves since training camp started. It gave head coach JJ Redick the faith to start the 25-year-old on the Kings’ lead ball-handler.
Most thought Grimes would handle that role, but it didn’t happen in the opener against the Kings. Williams was on Acuff Jr., with Thybulle taking on Zach LaVine. That left Grimes on De’Andre Hunter.
If defense is going to decide the starting competition for the final two spots, it appears Williams and Thybulle are ahead of Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Jake LaRavia. They were taking on the toughest defensive assignments in the preseason opener.
The Lakers let Bronny James guard Acuff to start the second half as Luka didn’t return. Doncic had 21 points in just 16 minutes and looked ready to hit the ground running to start this year. It appeared Williams was LA’s top defensive option to start the preseason.
Ziaire Williams is comfortable as a floor spacer on offense
Williams’ 3-point shooting has improved for three straight years. He is coming off hitting a career-high 34.3 percent for the Brooklyn Nets on 4.5 attempts per game in just 22.9 minutes. The 6’9 forward isn’t afraid to shoot, and it showed in the preseason opener.
Williams made three of three 3-point attempts in the preseason opener and showed no hesitation to fire away when open. He scored 13 points on four of six shooting from the field in just 20.6 minutes. Williams shot when open, and it worked in the Lakers' favor on Monday night.
Doncic is the best player in the world at creating open corner 3-pointers for his teammates. Williams has no issues spotting up and knocking down those looks. Even when Luka wasn't off the floor, Ziaire looked comfortable in his role.
Ziaire Williams is a better 3-and-D option than Matisse Thybulle and Jake LaRavia
The starting power forward spot is wide open after the Lakers let LeBron James and Rui Hachimura walk in free agency. They have plenty of shot creation with Doncic and Reaves leading their attack. Los Angeles needs guys willing to space the floor and compete hard on defense.
Williams is a more willing shooter and better on-ball defender than Thybulle. Matisse is arguably the best player in the NBA at creating steals, but he will struggle against quick point guards. The Lakers get more size and versatility if they go with Ziaire.
LaRavia had a strong preseason opener, but fans saw his inconsistency last season. He is a questionable shooter, and his energy is more impactful in a reserve role.
Jarred Vanderbilt didn't play until the fourth quarter in the preseason opener for anyone thinking he could factor into this race.
The Lakers' failed pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga opened the door, and Williams is seizing this role. The 25-year-old is eager to play for a contender again. He is already making a significant impact on both ends of the floor.
Luka Doncic is known for maximizing the talent around him on the wings. Ziaire Williams signed a minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to be the next name on that list. The preseason opener showed why Williams should start, and things should only get better from here.
Williams will play a key defensive role and knock down open looks. That is exactly what the Lakers need flanking Doncic and Reaves in the starting five.
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