The Los Angeles Lakers have ruled out starting forward Ziaire Williams for Friday’s NBA Cup opener against the Golden State Warriors because of left foot injury management.
The decision keeps the 25-year-old out for a second consecutive game after he also sat Wednesday’s 103-87 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Williams had been listed as questionable earlier Friday before the team upgraded his status to out hours before tip-off at Chase Center.
Williams started the Lakers’ first four games and has given coach JJ Redick a reliable wing option. He is averaging 11.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 28.4 minutes per game while converting 46.7 percent of his 3-point attempts.
His production helped Los Angeles win three of those first four contests as the team opened the season with strong perimeter play on both ends. The Lakers have prioritized health during a stretch that includes five games in seven nights.
Luka Dončić is expected back after missing the Clippers game with back tightness. The Slovenian star had been dealing with the issue following Tuesday’s loss to Portland, but he cleared the injury report for Friday.
Without Dončić and Williams on Wednesday, Jake LaRavia stepped into the starting lineup and logged 35 minutes. He finished with 10 rebounds, three steals and two blocks while providing defensive activity that helped the Lakers overcome the absences.
Quentin Grimes led the way with 23 points. Collin Sexton added a season-high 21 points off the bench, and Austin Reaves scored 16 as Los Angeles improved to 4-1. Six players reached double figures in the win.
The Lakers enter the Warriors rematch averaging a league-leading 123.2 points per game. Their offensive rating ranks second in the NBA through five contests, giving Redick confidence in the supporting cast even without Williams.
Golden State is dealing with its own injury issues. Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porziņģis have all been ruled out, while Gui Santos is doubtful with left knee tendinitis. The Warriors have won their last two road games against Denver and Minnesota.
Los Angeles defeated Golden State 127-105 in the season opener on Oct. 21, with Dončić scoring 28 points. Friday’s matchup is the first NBA Cup group-play game for both teams and tips off at 10 p.m. ET.
Williams’ absence removes one of the Lakers’ more versatile perimeter defenders. The 6-foot-8 forward has used his length and athleticism to guard multiple positions while spacing the floor efficiently from beyond the arc.
Cameron Carr remains out with a right oblique strain, and Adou Thiero continues to be sidelined by left knee injury management. Those absences further limit Redick’s options on the wing as the Lakers look to maintain their early success.
The precautionary approach with Williams follows similar caution with Dončić earlier in the week. Redick has stressed protecting players amid the compressed schedule, hoping to have the full rotation available in the coming days.
Los Angeles will next host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Williams’ status for that game remains uncertain as the team continues to manage the left foot issue that first surfaced after the Portland loss.
