Lakers Player Profile: Lou Williams
- Updated: November 6, 2016
The Los Angeles Lakers are playing .500 basketball through six games. They are sixth in the NBA averaging 108.8 points per game. The players are showing a change of culture and a level of confidence that they are bringing to the court. A key to the Lakers success has to do with their impressive bench.
The Lakeshow’s bench is leading the NBA in points, minutes and steals this season. The consistency isn’t a shock with the 2015 Sixth Man of The Year; Lou Williams leading the bench attack. Lou Williams is no stranger to getting buckets in various ways whether it’s with a three ball or being crafty in drawing contact for the bucket plus the foul. The team gave Lou Williams the nickname “Mighty Mouse,” this season because of his confidence. Williams is living up to the nickname, as he is second on the team averaging 15.2 points per game while dishing out 3.8 assists per game. Lou’s respect from his teammates has given him the green light with the offense. His new head coach, Luke Walton, already notices Lou’s growth and leadership. Walton says,
“He’s more of a natural leader than he realizes, he’s quiet and doesn’t always talk. But when he does, everyone listens.”
When the purple and gold signed Lou Williams on July 9, 2015 to a 3-year deal, they added reliable scoring off the bench. Williams has the skill set to start as he showed last season when he poured in 44 points for the Lakers against OKC. Williams’s energy has been contagious in the locker rooms since he’s arrived. D’Angelo Russell says:
“He has a great voice as far as his opinions, he voices them and lets you know what’s right and wrong and what you can do in a situation. I feel like you’re learning when you’re playing with him. He does a great job for us.”
Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams are a dynamic backcourt duo coming off of the bench. Lou is able to facilitate for himself and his teammates in this high-paced offense. Jordan has the opportunity to pick up tricks and find ways to make the game easier as the season progresses. Lou is very fond of the youth and maturity the players are showing, Williams says:
“It’s fun to see the development and to see their growth, Night in and night out, you see something different. You’re always encouraged by what they are able to do.”
The positive energy, unselfishness and laid-back personality that Lou brings into the locker room are contagious. Lou Williams and the Lakers are looking to win their third game in a row while they search for their second win in a row at home as they’ll host the Phoenix Suns tonight. At the end of the season, expect to see Lou Williams in the race for Sixth Man of The Year.
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