Ziaire Williams Discusses How He Can Complement Luka Doncic

One of the newest Los Angeles Lakers, Ziaire Williams, put together an impressive preseason despite only playing two exhibition games. He made all five of his 3-point attempts while also providing tenacious defense and an ability to slash to the basket.

On Friday against the Denver Nuggets, Williams connected with Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler on weak-side lobs. It’s no secret that Doncic thrives with lob threats and Williams detailed his on-court chemistry with the Lakers star so far.

“I’m honestly just playing off him. I know if a guy is not looking, and if I have a straight cut to the basket, Luka’s gonna throw it up. That’s just the high-level player he is. Everyone just kind of plays off of him,” Williams said. “You know, he’s obviously the head of the snake and he’s one of the best players in the world for a reason. So, just trying to make the simple reads, catch and shoot, catch and drive, catch lobs. Just read the defense. It’s really simple when you have a player like him on the floor.”

The California native has made a case for himself to start as he brings energy on both sides of the floor. He spoke about being that spark for the Lakers and he enjoys providing it because he is playing back home.

“Man, it was a blessing to be out there having fun. [I’m] happy where I’m at and just all glory to God,” he said. “Just happy to be out back on the court and to play back home in front of my family, it’s a dream come true. I’m just appreciating the moment and taking it one day at a time.”

This is William’s first time playing for a team with championship aspirations, but he does not feel any pressure, simply due to the fact he is playing with two playmakers in Doncic and Austin Reaves.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s never any pressure on me,” he said. “It’s a child’s game, so I never think of it that way. But man, my life is definitely easier to say the least. Just playing with high-level playmakers, guys who know how to win and 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.”

With Opening Night on Wednesday, it will be intriguing to see which direction head coach JJ Redick goes with his starters. But Williams put himself in prime position to be a starting forward to kick off a new era of Lakers basketball.

Ziaire Williams discusses importance of team rebounding

Injuries played a factor in the Lakers’ preseason, particularly with Walker Kessler missing time, and without him they lacked a rebounding presence.

As the Lakers search for answers to get better on the boards, Williams discussed the importance of team rebounding when Kessler is not on the floor.