Lakers forward Ziaire Williams wins Opening Night start over Quentin Grimes
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Lakers forward Ziaire Williams started Opening Night and posted nine points in a 127-105 win over the Warriors.
His hold on the role is seen as tenuous, so his minutes bear watching.
Background
Ziaire Williams is a 25-year-old, 6-foot-9 forward from California who spent the previous two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets after three with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers had two starting lineup spots open, and Williams was considered a candidate for one. He drew praise from head coach JJ Redick for his defense and catch-and-shoot threes, and he said playing alongside high-level playmakers makes his life easier.
How it unfolded
- Sep 28, 2026Williams speaks at the Lakers' media day press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, CA.
- Oct 16, 2026In the preseason finale, Williams dunks over Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and scores 14 points in 11 minutes in a 121-106 loss.
- Oct 17, 2026An SB Nation Reacts survey reports 44% of Lakers fans prefer Williams as the fifth starter.
- Oct 22, 2026Williams starts Opening Night over Quentin Grimes and posts nine points, three rebounds, four assists and one steal in 24 minutes in a 127-105 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Who’s saying what
- Coach
- JJ Redick said he liked Williams when coaching against him, citing his intent on defense and love of guarding star players, and called his catch-and-shoot and open three numbers consistent.
- Public
- In an SB Nation Reacts survey, 44% of Lakers fans said they prefer Williams as the fifth starter.
- Caution
- RotoWire called the Opening Night start over Grimes somewhat of a surprise and said Williams figures to have a tenuous hold on the role.
Still unverified
Before the preseason finale, the final starting spot was described as mostly up for grabs among Williams, Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Matisse Thybulle, and one source's projection that Williams would win a starting job was not a confirmed decision.