The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their preseason with a 121-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets, but honestly, that score isn’t even the biggest story right now. What *is* blowing up the timeline is who’s gonna snag that final spot in the starting five for opening night, and man, the fans have spoken loud and clear. For weeks we’ve been figuring Quentin Grimes would slide in next to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, especially since he started four out of five preseason games. But that final spot? It’s been an absolute free-for-all until now.
The Fans Have Spoken: Williams Is The Guy
The buzz around the Lakers has been wild with guys like Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Matisse Thybulle all making a real push for that last starting role. But when SB Nation Reacts surveyed the most plugged-in Lakers fans, there was a *clear* winner. We’re talking an overwhelming 44% of fans, folks. They are absolutely aligned with what Coach JJ Redick tried in the preseason finale: Williams is their guy. Redick himself wanted to see Williams out there with Dončić, Reaves, Kessler, and Thybulle against the Nuggets, especially with Grimes getting some rest on the bench. It was a test, and Williams passed with flying colors in the eyes of the fans.
From Brooklyn Struggles To L.A. Surge
Why the sudden surge for Williams? His 6-foot-9 frame and sweet 3-and-D ability make him an ideal fit for that spot. The dude played just two preseason games, but he averaged 13.5 points in 15.6 minutes per game and, get this, he drained all five of his 3-pointers he attempted. Yeah, you read that right. All five! That’s a stark contrast to his time last season with Brooklyn, where his perimeter shooting potential never really clicked, and his overall 3-point shot quality was below-average. But put him next to two of the league’s best offensive creators, and suddenly, he’s getting wide-open looks. Williams even said it himself after Friday’s loss, “Man, my life is definitely easier, to say the least. Just playing with high-level playmakers, guys who know how to win and, you know, guys who’ve been in the league for a long time. I just know my role, and I feel like I just couldn’t be in a better situation.” That quote tells you everything you need to know about the opportunity he sees. His skillset just complements those other projected starters like a glove.
Now it’s up to Ziaire Williams to keep that ridiculous production rolling as the season kicks off. If he does, he’s not just locking down a starting spot, he’s seriously helping to raise the ceiling for the Lakers as legitimate contenders. Get ready for opening night, because Williams is out to prove those 44% of fans knew exactly what they were talking about.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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