The Lakers provided a positive update on one of their potential starters on Thursday.
Ziaire Williams was a full participant in the team’s practice ahead of Friday’s preseason finale against the Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
The 6-foot-10 forward missed the team’s previous three preseason games after dealing with “a little bit of swelling” in his left foot.
“No idea actually,” Williams responded when asked what caused the swelling. “But the swelling is back down and I was getting up and down and it felt great.”
Williams started in the lone preseason game he’s played, the Oct. 5 win over the Kings in Sacramento, and is competing for one of the two open spots in the starting lineup alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
The Lakers haven’t filled those starting slots yet.
“It’s great competition,” Quentin Grimes said. “Everybody wants competition, everybody wants to compete for something, fight for something, earn something. Nothing’s given, so I think it just creates a healthy competition within the team.”
Williams appeared to be optimistic about his available for Friday’s matchup against the Nuggets.
“Good – it’s up to the staff now,” the former Sierra Canyon star said. “I’m in good hands. They’ve been taking care of me. See how we feel. But yeah, it’s up to them. I’m ready to go as long as they say I am.”
Doncic also fully participated in Thursday’s practice after sitting out of Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors.
Guard Collin Sexton participated in all of the team’s drills but didn’t play in the live scrimmage against his teammates, according to Redick.
“He did some up and down drills vs. coaches,” Redick added, “and then we played live the rest of practice.”
Sexton, who hasn’t played in a preseason game, “trending in the right direction” for the Oct. 21 regular season opener against the Warriors in Los Angeles, according to Redick.
Second-year forward Adou Thiero (maintenance) was a partial participant in practice, while rookie wing Cameron Carr was out.
