Hoop DossierZiaire Williams
Los Angeles Lakers · Forward · 6′9″ 185 lb · age 25 · Stanford · 6th season
3 games this season
Availability
Next game Tomorrow vs POR. The injury report for it appears the day before.
Recent changes
- Oct 16Lineupmoved into the starting lineup vs DEN (preseason)
Season form
3 games this seasonStarts 3 of 3 games · 4th on LAL in minutes · Core role
Bars: minutes in his last 3 games · numbers: points
Situational splits: turn on Prediction tools.
What's being said
38 items · 9 sources this season- Podcast Locked On NBA host · Report · around the league
Reaves scored 29, including 15 in the second quarter. Sexton had 13 off the bench. Thybulle and Ziaire Williams each scored 11 with three threes.
“GAME NIGHT: Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams Suffers GRUESOME Injury | Luka Doncic Goes OFF! | Concern For New Y” at 15:04 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 2 points ·
- The hosts called Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle the "other two starters." Both made timely plays, especially on defense, getting stops, turnovers and ball pressure in the second quarter. at 8:25
- Host analysis: in a small sample, Thybulle and Williams, "especially Zaire," have been consistent at hitting the open and wide-open threes that Luka creates, which are the most important ones for them to make. at 21:01
“Luka Drops 52, Reaves 29, Lakers Overcome Slow Start and Beat Utah, 132-123” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Jazz host · Prediction · around the league
The host said the Lakers may be really good if Zaire Williams and Matisse Theibel can play 30 minutes a night. The two combined to shoot 6 of 14 from three for 22 points.
“POSTCAST - Luka Doncic goes BALLISTIC and shoots down the Utah Jazz” at 8:13 · listen ↗
- X Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) · Report ·
Final: Lakers 103, Jazz 100 This one seems destined to go down to the wire. Both teams scored 29 points in the third. Luka has 39/7/8 on 14-26 FGs -- he's officially broken out of his slow start. AR has 18 points (5-10 FG). Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams have been huge.
- Podcast Darian Vaziri, Locked On Clippers · Analysis · around the league
Matchup: the host says Garland can't guard Austin Reaves, the smallest Lakers starter, so Garland guarded Jalen Williams instead.
“How Turnovers Killed The LA Clippers Against The Lakers” at 7:35 · listen ↗
- Podcast Numbers on the Board host · Analysis · around the league
Ziaire Williams is starting for the Lakers, which surprised the hosts. A host thinks he won the spot in the last preseason game against Denver, which puts Mamu and Grimes on the bench.
“20 Things We Have Learned So Far | Numbers On The Board” at 49:36 · listen ↗
also reported by Gil's Arena host
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 3 points ·
- Brian Kamenetzky: Heading into the season, most people, the hosts included, assumed Quentin Grimes would start. Instead, Ziaire Williams came back and was put in the lineup, and Matisse Thybulle started Wednesday and in the final preseason game. at 13:14
- Andy Kamenetzky: Andy's analysis: against better defensive teams, starting Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, who are not dynamic offensive players, puts too much on Luka, Austin and Kessler's scoring and limits the offense. at 17:10
- Brian Kamenetzky: Brian thinks the concern is a little overrated and that Ziaire Williams will stick as a starter because of his defensive versatility and ability to run the floor. at 18:47
“Could Collin Sexton's Return Mean a Starting Lineup Change? Plus Is a 6-0 Start Coming for Lakers?” · listen ↗
- Podcast Zach Lowe, The Zach Lowe Show · Report · around the league
JJ Redick started Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams alongside Luka and Reaves, a defense-first starting combo that Lowe calls a plot twist.
“Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot Takes, and More!” at 1:01:31 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily host · Analysis · around the league
Analysis: Kessler needs to be a top-three or top-four defensive center for the Lakers to be good enough, and point-of-attack defense is the big question. Ziaire Williams is better as a helper. Matisse Thybulle is miscast at the point of attack. Collin Sexton could maybe fill that role.
“Wolves Make a Big Statement in Miami + Luka’s Showtime Era Begins” at 35:50 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 3 points ·
- Andy Kamenetzky: Andy thinks Grimes is a better natural matchup for Steph Curry than Thybulle because of how Curry works off screens. He describes Thybulle as more of an off-ball disruptor, unless the Lakers put Ziaire Williams on Curry. at 29:52
- Chuck Walter says that if the starters do include Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, neither looks like a championship-level starter to him. He gives this as his reason for being bearish on the Lakers. at 28:26
- A host says the Lakers will not be great defending on the ball but have many disruptors who get deflections, citing Williams and Thybulle. Kessler as rim protector lets them be aggressive. at 32:28
“Warriors-Lakers Preview! Who Guards Luka, Steph? Kessler's Impact? Yaxel X-Factor?” · listen ↗
- Podcast Andy Kamenetzky, Locked On Lakers · Analysis ·
The other host argues that outside doubts about the defense are less about Kessler and more about everyone else. In his view, Matisse Thybulle has had trouble staying on the court, Ziaire Williams is unproven defensively, it has been a while since Grimes defended at the level being discussed, and Thiero is unproven.
“Why Lakers Fans Should Be Excited for This Year's Team (Despite Carr, Thiero Injuries)” at 27:01 · listen ↗
- Podcast unnamed story (reported), via The Mismatch · Rumor · around the league
Rumor, conditional on a story from 'yesterday' being true: the Lakers will start Ziaire Williams. The hosts raise who plays power forward for the Lakers and Minnesota as an open question.
“Gearing Up for the Best Regular Season Ever” at 26:19 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 2 points ·
- Hosts assume Ziaire Williams will start unless a minutes restriction prevents it. at 20:47
- Michael Pina (reported): Pina highlights the perimeter additions Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Quentin Grimes as active-handed defenders. The host adds that this fits Luka's and Reaves's disruptive strengths. at 30:26
“Dalton Knecht's Release Closes an Ugly Chapter for LA... Plus, Collin Sexton Ready to Play?” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On NBA · 2 points ·
- A host says the Lakers are starting Ziaire Williams because they have nobody else who can really start at power forward. at 50:25
- unnamed Lakers beat person (reported): Relayed from someone who covers the Lakers: the team is very dependent on two minimum contracts, Thybulle and Ziaire Williams. at 50:33
“Ranking ALL 30 NBA Teams! Our Official 2026-27 Tier List” · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily · 3 points ·
- Per a host, in the preseason the Nuggets trapped Luka, leaving a Reaves-Kessler two-man game (Reaves). Ziaire Williams or Thybulle then had to hit threes. at 11:31
- Both hosts prefer Zaire/ Ziaire Williams to Thybulle as the fifth starter. They cite his shooting being respected, his size and that he can help bring the ball up. at 10:48
- Sandro Mamukelashvili (quoted): Mamukelashvili describes playing the four next to Kevon Looney at the five, saying Loon doesn't stop the ball. He also says Ziaire Williams shoots really well. at 33:22
“Big Preseason Changes + Why Sandro Mamukelashvili signed with the Lakers” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers host · Analysis ·
A host names Ziaire Williams, Grimes and Matisse Thybulle as disruptive defenders. He says the scheme also suits Reaves and Doncic defensively.
“The Lakers Lack Cohesion at the End of the Preseason, and Need to Find Some Fast” at 27:01 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 3 points ·
- In the preseason finale, the starters were the big three plus Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams. at 4:06
- The starting group has probably not practiced together much because players have been in and out of practice. Ziaire Williams missed about eight or nine days. Luka has at times practiced in full and at times not. at 15:19
- Host analysis: Ziaire Williams is a career 34% three-point shooter but has shot in the 40s on wide-open threes over the last couple of seasons. He will get open looks with this team and adds defensive versatility, including picking up full court when the Lakers press. at 19:13
“Big Three Play, Redick (Potentially) Previews Starting Lineup, Lakers Lose Preseason Finale” · listen ↗
- X Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) · Report ·
Nuggets are starting the usual 5 for second half Quentin Grimes and Jake LaRavia are starting second half in place of Luka Doncic and Ziaire Williams
- X Khobi Price (@khobi_price) · Report ·
Lakers starters vs. Nuggets: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Walker Kessler. When asked whether this lineup will start for the season opener against the Warriors, JJ Redick (in part) responded nothing "definitive for next week."
- Podcast Locked On Lakers · 4 points ·
- Ziaire Williams was made available to the media. The host reads that as a good sign he can play Friday, because injured players usually aren't put in front of the media unless they're close to ready. at 5:50
- Ziaire Williams (quoted): Ziaire Williams said he doesn't know what happened to his left foot. He had some swelling that has gone back down, and he says he's ready whenever the staff clears him. at 6:16
- Ziaire Williams (quoted): Ziaire Williams, who didn't play Tuesday, praised Kessler. As a full-court perimeter defender, he values having a rim-protecting defensive anchor behind him. at 9:00
- Prediction: one host is still inclined to think Ziaire Williams wins the starting spot. He points to Williams' length and athleticism fitting the defensive pressure. at 14:18
“Will Luka, Reaves and Kessler Finally Play Together? Plus, the Lakers and the NBA's GM Survey” · listen ↗
- X Khobi Price (@khobi_price) · Report ·
Status report from JJ Redick: Luka Doncic and Ziaire Williams were full participants in practice today. Collin Sexton did everything (all of the team's drills that lasted about it an hour) but live play (JJ: "He did some up and down drills vs. coaches, and then we played live
- X Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) · Report ·
Another third string game for Jarred Vanderbilt, even with Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, and Cameron Carr out
- X Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) · Report ·
Starters in Las Vegas Warriors: Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, YAXEL, Charles Bassey (Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis out) Lakers: Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Jake LaRavia, Walker Kessler (Luka Doncic, Ziaire Williams out)
- X Khobi Price (@khobi_price) · Report ·
Luka Doncic is getting the night off tonight vs. the Warriors – no injury, per JJ Redick. Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr and Collin Sexton are out and remain day-to-day.
Podcast items are our short summaries of what was said, credited to who said it; posts and stories link to the original. Opinions and rumors are labelled as such and are not checked facts.
Game log
● = started2026-27 season
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | @UTA W | 30 min | 11 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 23 | LAC W | 31 min | 14 pts | 5 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Oct 21 | GSW W | 24 min | 9 pts | 3 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
2025-26 season (last season) · 56 games
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 3 | ATL L | 21 min | 8 pts | 3 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 31 | CHA L | 24 min | 10 pts | 0 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 27 | @LAL L | 25 min | 16 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 25 | @GSW L | 24 min | 19 pts | 1 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 23 | @POR L | 24 min | 16 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 22 | @SAC L | 22 min | 18 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 20 | NYK L | 25 min | 17 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 18 | OKC L | 20 min | 5 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 16 | POR L | 20 min | 7 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 14 | @PHI L | 21 min | 9 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 9 | MEM W | 19 min | 11 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 7 | @DET W | 32 min | 23 pts | 4 reb | 0 ast | 5 3PM |
| Mar 5 | @MIA L | 24 min | 15 pts | 1 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 3 | @MIA L | 23 min | 16 pts | 1 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 1 | CLE L | 33 min | 4 pts | 0 reb | 5 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 27 | @BOS L | 17 min | 5 pts | 0 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 26 | SAS L | 13 min | 2 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 19 | @CLE L | 22 min | 2 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 11 | IND L | 28 min | 19 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 5 3PM |
| Feb 9 | CHI W | 25 min | 11 pts | 5 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 5 | @ORL L | 17 min | 1 pt | 2 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 3 | LAL L | 24 min | 17 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 27 | @PHX L | 28 min | 11 pts | 1 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 25 | @LAC L | 21 min | 7 pts | 3 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Jan 23 | BOS L | 33 min | 14 pts | 8 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 21 | @NYK L | 19 min | 11 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 19 | PHX L | 24 min | 15 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 7 | ORL L | 27 min | 5 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 4 | DEN W | 19 min | 13 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 2 | @WAS L | 24 min | 14 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 1 | HOU L | 27 min | 14 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 23 | @PHI W | 18 min | 9 pts | 0 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 21 | TOR W | 14 min | 2 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 18 | MIA L | 19 min | 2 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 14 | MIL W | 22 min | 10 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 12 | @DAL L | 25 min | 3 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 6 | NOP W | 15 min | 9 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 4 | UTA L | 28 min | 23 pts | 0 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Dec 3 | @CHI W | 25 min | 8 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 1 | CHA W | 19 min | 3 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 29 | @MIL L | 19 min | 10 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 28 | PHI L | 30 min | 10 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 23 | @TOR L | 28 min | 5 pts | 4 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 21 | @BOS W | 16 min | 2 pts | 0 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 18 | BOS L | 27 min | 12 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 16 | @WAS W | 30 min | 13 pts | 4 reb | 0 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 14 | @ORL L | 36 min | 15 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 11 | TOR L | 17 min | 2 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 9 | @NYK L | 28 min | 13 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Nov 7 | DET L | 17 min | 6 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 5 | @IND W | 24 min | 3 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 3 | MIN L | 23 min | 14 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 3 3PM |
| Nov 2 | PHI L | 20 min | 13 pts | 5 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Oct 26 | @SAS L | 13 min | 5 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Oct 24 | CLE L | 27 min | 25 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 6 3PM |
| Oct 22 | @CHA L | 15 min | 1 pt | 3 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
How his numbers change by situation, with four seasons of history →
Predictions about him
how calls are trackedCame true 3
- Came true Locked On Lakers (show): Ziaire Williams will start the opener unless a minutes restriction stops it.
2026-10-20 · Podcast · for vs GSW, 2026-10-22 · result: started, 24 min Flag - Came true Locked On Lakers (show): Ziaire Williams starts the Lakers' opener against Golden State.
2026-10-17 · Podcast · for vs GSW, 2026-10-22 · result: started, 24 min Flag - Came true Locked On Lakers (show): Ziaire Williams will win the Lakers' open starting spot.
2026-10-16 · Podcast · for vs GSW, 2026-10-22 · result: started, 24 min Flag