Sports

Ziaire Williams Leads Lakers in Dominant Preseason Opener vs. Kings

By Tyler Watts

The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Sacramento Kings in their preseason opener, with Ziaire Williams making a strong case for the starting power‑forward spot. Williams began the game guarding Kings point guard Darius Acuff and improved his 3‑point shooting, finishing with 13 points, one rebound, and one steal in 20.6 minutes. He shot 4‑of‑6 from the field and made all three of his 3‑point attempts.

The Lakers started Williams, Quentin Grimes, and Matisse Thybulle, with Austin Reaves on the bench. The lineup gave each player a chance to play with Luka Dončić, but Williams appeared most capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. Los Angeles, which added nine new players in the offseason, played aggressive defense and was connected on offense, dominating in every facet of the game.

Head coach JJ Redick began the game with the 25‑year‑old on the ball, a role most expected Grimes to fill. Williams guarded Acuff while Thybulle covered Zach LaVine and Grimes played De’Andre Hunter. The defensive assignments were the toughest in the opener, and Williams and Thybulle were ahead of Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Jake LaRavia in the competition for the final two spots.

Dončić scored 21 points in 16 minutes, and the Lakers’ defensive focus on the ball was clear. Williams’ 3‑point shooting has improved for three straight years; he hit a career‑high 34.3 % from beyond the arc for the Brooklyn Nets in 22.9 minutes per game. In the opener he shot 100 % from 3‑point range.

The starting power‑forward position is wide open after LeBron James and Rui Hachimura left in free agency. The Lakers need players who can space the floor and compete hard on defense. Williams is a more willing shooter and better on‑ball defender than Matisse Thybulle, and he offers more size and versatility. Jake LaRavia showed inconsistency last season, and his shooting is questionable.

Williams signed a minimum contract with the Lakers and is eager to play for a contender again. The preseason opener demonstrated why he should start, and the team expects his defensive impact and open‑look shooting to help flank Dončić and Reaves in the starting lineup.