The Los Angeles Lakers acquired wing Ziaire Williams on a one-year, $3 million dollar deal this offseason. 

He impressed during training camp and preseason—despite playing only twice because of a left foot bruise. However, head coach JJ Redick's high estimation of Williams goes beyond the here and now in purple and gold. 

"My two years in coaching, I've liked him when we played against him," Redick said. "I think he has a really good intent on the defensive end, and I think he loves the challenge of guarding the other team's star players. He has the physical tools to do that. 

"It seemed like every time we played Brooklyn, he made a lot of shots too," Redick joked.  

The Lakers wanted to surround Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and new star center Walker Kessler with reliable guys who can consistently make an impact on both ends of the floor. 

General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka was active during free agency, not necessarily hunting down the typical big names befitting of Los Angeles, but players who can handle the pressure of being a Laker and excel in their roles.  

Williams fits the billing on paper and has already shown what he brings to the table on the court. 

In his two preseason games, he averaged 13.5 points, shooting a red-hot 75 percent from the field — and 100 percent (5-for-5) from three. He also hasn't missed a free throw yet (4-for-4).

Naturally, that efficiency will dip over the course of the season. However, with Doncic and Reaves dominating the ball in the backcourt, the Lakers couldn't ask for more than an excellent defender who doesn't need much volume to make an impact at the other end. 

Heading into his sixth year in the league, Williams notched career highs across several statistical categories with the Brooklyn Nets last season. 

He averaged career bests in points per game (10.2), three-point percentage (34.3%), and steals per game (1.4). He shot 42.5 percent from the field in 22.9 minutes a night. 

From a Lakers standpoint, the only concern with Williams is his tendency to pick up nagging knocks. He hasn't had a season-ending injury per se, but he has had a few that kept him out for stretches at a time. 

Williams has never played more than 63 games in a season and never averaged more than 24.5 minutes per outing. 

It appears he has all but secured a starting role with the Lakers for the new campaign — with the curtain-raiser against the Golden State Warriors set for Wednesday in Los Angeles. What remains to be seen is how much rope Redick can give him without risking his body. 

Otherwise, with his ability to knock down shots and cut to the basket while playing lockdown defense on the other end, Williams could become a fan favorite. 

Redick is excited about the 25-year-old's room for growth, too. And off the court, the type of person the Lakers brought into their locker room. 

"I think everybody in our building who has been around him for the last six to eight weeks just recognizes what a special human being he is," Redick said. "And I really believe in him as a player."