Chemistry with this iteration of the Lakers will be an uphill challenge. Many of them have never played together and will need to learn one another quickly to succeed on the court.<\/p>\n
Though there are a ton of new faces in Los Angeles, some already have connections, including Bronny James and Ziaire Williams.<\/p>\n
\u201cShoutout fellow Laker Bronny in the cut. That was my freshman right there. It\u2019s going to be fun playing with Bronny again. We grew a lot together at Sierra Canyon and we\u2019ve been friends ever since. So, it\u2019s been cool to see him make it to the big leagues and keep progressing, keep getting better. I\u2019m excited to be back on his team again.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s going to be pretty cool for Sierra Canyon, and really all of California, when these two are on the floor at the same time.<\/p>\n
While the degrees of separation in the NBA are small, it\u2019s still rare for high school teammates to be on the same team at this level. The fact that the Lakers play just 31 miles from their high school is amazing and shows how small this world can be.<\/p>\n
As a Californian, Williams has always loved the Lakers. So joining this iconic franchise certainly feels like a full-circle moment for him, which he described further in the aforementioned video.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing my name on the Lakers jersey was super surreal. A blessing. I can\u2019t even explain it in words. I\u2019m just so excited to be back home, play in front of the fans, my family. I would have never imagined this day would come true.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a bond to the city, the franchise and even one of his teammates, things are starting pretty well for Williams as a Laker.<\/p>\n
This will be his third team in six years, but if Williams makes the most of this opportunity, it could be the place where he solidifies himself as a quality wing player.<\/p>\n