After making their big swings this offseason, the Lakers made some low-risk, high-reward signings.
Both came on the wing with one being Matisse Thybulle, a talented defensive player with injury questions and the other being Ziaire Williams.
Trapped on the Brooklyn Nets for the last two seasons, Williams has shown signs of improvement, but also largely stagnated. This offseason, Brooklyn cut him free and the Lakers pounced, bringing in the former Sierra Canyon product on a minimum contract.
In continuing
our series, we reached out to Anthony Puccio, site manager for Nets Daily, to ask him about Williams, where he succeeds and struggles and how he might fit with the Lakers.
What are his strengths?
He’s a high-energy player with defensive versatility. He’s long and thrives covering wings, but he’s laterally quick enough to stick with guards. His active hands force some turnovers, too.
What are his weaknesses?
His 3-point shooting hasn’t improved beyond a career-best 34% from three last season, and his physical frame isn’t that of a frontcourt anchor. So he’s in no-man’s land for someone whose biggest asset is their size/interchangeability.
Combine that with limited playmaking ability, and he’s a 3-and-D guy at best…assuming the three ball is going down.
From an outsider’s perspective, how do you see him fitting with the Lakers?
He should thrive in a system where he can float and do all the high-energy things nobody else wants to do. It was applauded in Brooklyn, but a curse because his weaknesses were exposed on a bad team. With Luka Dončić and more weapons around him, he should be able to carve out a consistent role in the league.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
