Ziaire Williams just inked a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, and head coach JJ Redick along with President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka have made his marching orders crystal clear: it’s all about defense. For a squad that boasts serious perimeter offense, Williams is expected to be the main point-of-attack defender, a role that could make or break their season.
The Lakers’ Defensive Mission
Let’s be real, the Lakers have offensive firepower for days out on the perimeter. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves form one of the NBA’s top backcourts offensively, Collin Sexton can score in bunches off the bench, and Quentin Grimes is a solid floor-spacer who can attack closeouts. But here’s the catch: perimeter defense is not a strength for Dončić, Reaves, or Sexton, and Grimes has been up and down in that department. If the Lakers want to even think about home-court advantage and a top-four seed in the stacked Western Conference, they need someone to step up on D. That’s where Williams comes in. His conversations with Redick and Pelinka hammered home the message: “first and foremost, being a main defender, point-of-attack defender.” Williams has shown flashes in his career with standout lateral agility and screen navigation. He’s got the tools.
Finding His Offensive Groove Alongside The Stars
Now, while defense is the priority, Williams knows he needs to bring something on offense too. He’s struggled with shot-making over his first five seasons, hitting just 42.2% of his field goals and 32.2% from deep, where more than half his attempts come from. But he’s not without hope: he converted a career-high 34.3% of his triples last season, shoots 54.6% inside the arc for his career, and shows keen off-ball movement. He’s ready to slot in next to the Lakers’ primary creators. As Williams put it, “Obviously Luka (Doncic) and AR (Austin Reaves) are going to be the main primary ball handlers. 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.”
Williams is stepping into a crowded, but largely unproven, wing rotation, meaning he’ll have every chance to compete for heavy minutes this season. With guys like Grimes, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Matisse Thybulle, Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht, and rookie Cameron Carr all fighting for spots, Williams’ ability to consistently lock down on defense, while providing just enough on offense, will be key to the Lakers’ push for that top-four seed.
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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