​SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the 3rd quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Getty (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) GettyHow JJ Redick sets up the Los Angeles Lakers will be up to him, but there is already a general idea of what to expect. The main core of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler is primed to start. That is just three of five starting spots confirmed.Doncic and Reaves are likely to be the only two starters from last season to retain their spot. That is no surprise in that aspect, and the need for a new starting center has positioned Kessler in the starting unit. It leaves the two forward positions left in the lineup, with Quentin Grimes speculated to start on the wing.According to The Athletic Law Murray, what is left for the Lakers will be to get a LeBron James-esque piece to have a decent starting team.“The fifth starting spot is less obvious,” Murray wrote. “A player who I feel would get the best chance initially to replace James is on a minimum contract: Ziaire Williams, the former Brooklyn Nets forward who last season was involved in an altercation with Doncic that led to a technical foul and Doncic ‘s subsequent suspension.”Williams was one of several new additions this offseason. He is speculated to be a rotational piece but could have a chance to contribute in a more significant role.Lakers to Initially Replace James with Ziaire Williams?GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 11: Ziaire Williams #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on February 11, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Williams, 25, moved to L.A. from Brooklyn and signed a one-year deal. He is a low-risk addition, and the Lakers got him at a young age. He will most likely be used in the forward rotation either behind Grimes or whoever starts at power forward. Minutes are most likely guaranteed for Williams; how big or small those minutes are cannot be certain. However, if he starts and impresses, his minutes will be up.Replacing James is impossible, but the Lakers can work with a similar profile — strength, athleticism and work rate. Williams is a good shout.  “The Lakers’ interest in Jonathan Kuminga, despite already having a full roster, offered a clue about what they were looking for in a diluted version of what James gave them last season,” Murray added.Perhaps if Kuminga had worked out, the situation would be different now. Williams is still a close option for getting such athleticism.Williams played 56 games for the Nets last season and had a career-high