Overview
- The Lakers removed Williams from the NBA injury report and cleared him to play, and he returned Monday off the bench for 15 minutes, scoring nine points on 3-of-6 from three with two rebounds and two assists.
- Coach JJ Redick said imaging was clean and described the problem as a soreness that intermittently flares up, explaining the team is taking a cautious, day‑to‑day approach around back‑to‑backs.
- Williams had started the season shooting at career‑best rates and averaging about 11 points, so his availability restores a 3‑and‑D wing who helps spacing and perimeter matchups.
- Redick did not return Williams to the starting five immediately, keeping Jake LaRavia in the power‑forward role while experimenting with lineup balance and limiting Williams’ early minutes.
- Second‑year forward Adou Thiero remains out with left‑knee swelling but has had live work and is 'trending in the right direction,' with the team hoping he could be available by the end of the week.