Lou Williams' resurgence will be vital for the playoff hopes of the young Los Angeles Lakers. Williams has been solid off the bench all season long and he has stepped up to the plate whenever his team needed him.
Lou Williams is in his 12th NBA season but he's still 30 years old and clearly not past his prime yet. He is having a career season under new head coach Luke Walton and is head-to-head with Denver Nuggets' Wilson Chandler for this season's Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Lou Williams is averaging a career-high 17.5 points on 44.9 percent shooting, including 38.9 percent from downtown. Chandler is averaging a career-high 18.6 points on 47.8 shooting. Williams won the award in the 2014-15 season when he was part of the Toronto Raptors. He also has consistently been part of that conversation for several years now.
Injury Woes Piling Up
The Lakers are banged up right now, especially their front court. Nick Young (calf), D'Angelo Russel (knee), and Jose Calderon (hamstring) are out with injuries. Larry Nance Jr and Tarik Black, who are part of the Lakers second unit that Williams is a part of, are also hurt.
With several key players out, Williams has stepped up to the plate and consistently delivered for his team despite the losses. "He's been pretty good," Lakers coach Luke Walton said. "When we need him, he steps up on the court and I think that gives other players a lot of confidence."
Captain of the Los Angeles Lakers bench
Lou Williams is unofficially the captain of the Lakers bench. He, along with Clarkson, Black, Nance Jr, and Brandon Ingram are a combination of youth, athleticism, and a whole lot of energy. As the only veteran of the group, Williams often finds himself leading the attack.
"You're encouraged that guys are willing to fight to the buzzer," Williams said. "When guys get back, I'm sure we'll turn some of these into wins," he added.
Playoff Picture
The Los Angeles Lakers have lost eight of their last 11 games are now 10-13, good for ninth place in the crowded western conference. If they get back to full strength soon and can continue to grow together with the guidance of Walton, they will be a team to watch out for come playoff time in the NBA.