​Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn ImagesZiaire Williams addresses injury concerns ahead of Lakers’ preseason finale vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Ziaire Williams missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ past three preseason games due to a left foot injury, putting a bit of a damper to his hopes of fighting for a starting spot heading into the 2026-27 regular season. Williams impressed in his first preseason contest, putting up 13 points on 4-6 shooting from the field, but now, his status heading into the Lakers’ final preseason game remains in doubt.Nonetheless, Williams told reporters on Thursday that he’s not feeling any lingering effects of his foot injury, and it will be up to the Lakers training staff to give him the green light to suit up for their final preseason contest, a game on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets.“(I feel) good, good. It’s up to the staff now. I’m in good hands. They’ve been taking care of me,” Williams said, via Law Murray of The Athletic. “I’m ready to go.”Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Ziaire Williams (left foot contusion) said it’s up to training staff to determine if he’ll go tomorrow, but he feels greatSo I asked him about rebounding, and how he has to balance point of attack defense with remembering to participateWill be an interesting job for Williams,… pic.twitter.com/0yUe9IU4xw— Law Murray 💀 (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 15, 2026Williams is a major candidate to start for the Lakers heading into the 2026-27 season, although they might be inclined to err on the side of caution considering that he hasn’t had the most reps in preseason.At 6-foot-9, Williams has the physical tools to be a ferocious point-of-attack defender. But the Lakers will need him to do more, especially on the glass. Provided that he’s healthy heading into the new campaign, the 25-year-old wing is looking forward to making an impact on the rebounding department as well.“It takes all five of us to gang rebound, especially if (Walker Kessler)’s not in. We just gotta do a better job. Just want it a little bit more. Just wanting to fight the box-off battle. We’ll get there,” Williams added.Last season, Williams played 56 games for the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest in just 22.9 minutes per contest. The Lakers are expecting him to provide sufficient wing cover, although it’s not quite clear yet if he has done enough to earn a starting job — especially with Jake LaRavia shooting well from deep in the preseason.Related: Lakers’ JJ Redick doubles down on his ‘MVP’ rule ahead of NBA seasonRelated: Lakers rumors: LA still desperately trying to make trade to fix roster problem