James says it is great to have his old high school teammate back in the building, and he thinks Los Angeles is the right stage for him.
Guard Bronny James and forward Ziaire Williams were high school teammates at Sierra Canyon in California, and now the two friends are on the same team again with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Williams agreed to a one-year deal with Los Angeles in July, and on Saturday, Bronny was asked what it means to have someone he knew long before either of them reached the NBA sharing the practice floor with him.
Bronny Is Glad to Have Him Around
Bronny said he has been with the Lakers for a few years and has built relationships with the players who have been around, but he also believes it is good for Williams to have a teammate he already knows and can come talk to.
He said he is there for Williams if he needs anything, and he pointed out that the two were on the floor together at the end of the scrimmage portion of practice that day.
When he was asked what he hopes to see from Williams with his third NBA team, Bronny pointed to the attention that comes with playing for the Lakers.
"He's in an organization now that has a big name, and a lot of fans are rooting for us," Bronny said in a video shared Saturday by Law Murray of The Athletic.
He has a point, because Williams has moved around a lot since the New Orleans Pelicans took him with the 10th pick in the 2021 draft and sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade that August.
He spent three seasons in Memphis before joining the Brooklyn Nets in 2024, and he averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 56 games for Brooklyn last season while shooting 34.3% from three.
A Real Shot at a Bigger Role
Williams also has a real chance to play.
The Lakers lost forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura in free agency, which left a hole on the wing, and Williams is among the players battling for a starting role.
At 6-foot-9, he gives head coach JJ Redick the length that this roster needs, and he already has some big ideas about the defense this season.
Bronny has his own work to do as well.
He played in 42 games last season and averaged 2.9 points in 8.9 minutes per night, and with a team option on his deal for 2027-28, this is a big season for him.
He needs a strong training camp, and having a close friend going through the same fight could help both of them stay focused.
Bronny has also had to adjust to life without his father on the roster this year, so having an old friend around should make this camp feel a little more normal.
What Comes Next for the Lakers
The Lakers open the preseason on Monday, Oct. 5, at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center, and they visit the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Tuesday.
The regular season begins Wednesday, Oct. 21, when the Lakers host Golden State.
Those preseason games will be the first chance to see whether Williams can earn that starting job, and Bronny will be watching closer than most.
