Ziaire Williams Out Vs. Raptors

The Los Angeles Lakers have downgraded starting forward Ziaire Williams (left foot injury management) to out for Sunday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors. He was originally listed as questionable, but will now miss his third consecutive game with the foot issue.

Sunday is the first night of a back-to-back for the Lakers with them hosting the Miami Heat on Monday, so perhaps Williams will be able to return for that game.

Elsewhere on the Lakers’ injury report for Sunday’s game, rookie Cameron Carr (right oblique strain) is available for the first time this season while Adou Thiero (left knee injury management) remains out.

In Williams’ absence, Jake LaRavia has entered the starting lineup for the Lakers and that will likely continue. He could take on the tough assignment of guarding Scottie Barnes, and if Williams does not return on Monday then the same could be said for that matchup with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Williams got off to a strong start to the season for the Lakers, earning a starting job in training camp and then averaging 11.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 57.1% from the field and 46.7% from 3-point range in the first four games.

This foot injury is an issue that has been lingering since the preseason though, so it makes sense for the Lakers to continue to be cautious to allow the 25-year-old to get back to full health before returning. The Lakers would surely love to nip this issue in the bud and not have it become a theme to Williams’ season.

Ziaire Williams enjoying role with Lakers

Williams is a former lottery pick who has bounced around the league a bit, but now may have found a home with the Lakers. He is a versatile player, but Williams is enjoying his role as the primary point-of-attack defender in L.A.

“Yes sir, that’s my job and I take it with pride,” Williams told ESPN Los Angeles after last week’s win over the L.A. Clippers. “I take my matchup serious, my scouting serious and just willing to do whatever it takes to win. So I’m just glad we got the dub.”

Given the importance of that role, the hope is that Williams will be able to stay healthy and available for a majority of the season.