Ziaire Williams’ first week with the Lakers has already come with a little bit of everything: a comeback win, a strong start in the rotation, and now a league fine.
The NBA announced that Williams was fined $2,000 for flopping in Sunday’s win over the Utah Jazz. The league said the penalty came after review of the play from Oct. 25 against Utah.
The moment came late in the fourth quarter with a little less than five minutes left. Williams was matched up with Jazz guard Keyonte George, who tried to drive and then extended his arm into Williams as he went to the rim. George was whistled for an offensive foul after appearing to shove off with his off hand.
Williams sold the contact, flinging his body backward as the call went against Utah. At the time, the Lakers were clinging to a one-point lead. In the end, though, the call did not decide anything - Los Angeles pulled away for a 132-123 victory.
The fine was the only blemish on an otherwise sharp start for Williams in purple and gold. Through three games, he has looked like exactly what the Lakers were hoping for: a point-of-attack defender with enough versatility to help in other areas, too.
He’s also giving them more than just defense. The 25-year-old is shooting 41.7% from three on four attempts per game and is averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals while hitting 52.2% of his shots overall.
Williams has started every game so far, and that setup appears likely to stick.
A Los Angeles native, Williams went to Sierra Canyon at the same time as Bronny James, and when the chance came to join his hometown team, he did not need much convincing. After his Lakers debut, he called it a dream come true.
The Lakers are 3-0 after Sunday’s comeback over Utah and will try to keep that early momentum going Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
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Kessler finished with two points, seven rebounds and one block, a quiet line for a player who has usually made his value felt around the rim. Afterward, he acknowledged that the moment affected his play and still made a point to show appreciation for his teammates, leaving a reminder that even in October, these kinds of returns can carry a little more weight than the box score shows. [Read more 🡒]
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Some of the crowd was more reserved about it, reflecting the mixed feelings that can follow a departure like that. For the Lakers, though, the bigger picture was clear enough: they came in at 2-0 and were already looking ahead to a home date with the Portland Trail Blazers, with Kesslers first Utah visit offering one more reminder that this season will be as much about fitting pieces together as it is about the standings. [Read more 🡒]