LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers wrap up a four-game road trip on Sunday with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Opposite the Lakers will be Suns wing Dillon Brooks, one of the NBA’s most tenacious and intense players, and a long-time thorn in their side. But for new Lakers forward Ziaire Williams, who has made a major impact for the team this season, much of what he does on the court can be attributed to his former teammate.

Prior to joining the Lakers, Ziaire Williams spent the first three seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, the first two playing alongside Dillon Brooks. Brooks joined the Houston Rockets via sign and trade in the 2023 offseason, but not before imparting his wisdom on Williams and setting the foundation for him to have a successful NBA career.

“Dillon, he is one of my favorite teammates ever. As crazy as he is, the complete opposite off the court. It’s amazing how he’s able to flip that switch. He was like the ultimate vet, he always looked out for me, always. Just made sure I was good, gave me tips, especially on the defensive end,” Williams said after Lakers’ practice on Friday. “I credit a lot of the knowledge and the success I’ve had from Dillon.”

Williams came into the league as a lottery pick, No. 10 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was thrust into a regular role from the get-go playing in 62 games as a rookie, including 31 starts, at a little over 21 minutes per game. The Grizzlies were a 50-win team at the time as well, looking to contend in the Western Conference.

For a young player like Williams, being able to ease the transition and meet the expectations of a winning team had a lot to do with Brooks. He’s very much looking forward to seeing his old teammate again when the Lakers face off against the Suns, as Brooks taught him, there’s no pleasantries to be exchanged as opponents.

“Being a young player, he almost instilled that foundation for me, along with Taylor Jenkins who was our coach at the time. Both of them, they were big role models for me,” Williams said. “I love Dillon. Great player, great competitor, no friends on the court though. I’m sure we’ll be going at it.”

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As far as Williams’ season with the Lakers, he’s putting up career numbers across the boards. He’s averaging a career-best 11.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 56.3 percent from the field, 46.5 percent from the 3-point line and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line. His assists, steals and shooting percentages from the field and 3-point range are all career-highs.

He’s also alternated between starting and coming off the bench while playing a little over 24 minutes per game. With the Lakers on the tail end of the road trip, Williams reflected on how he’s continued to bond with his teammates and build chemistry amid being tied with the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA at 11-2.

“I think I grew a lot, not even just on the court, but just being around my teammates more. More flights, more bus rides, so small things that help you build chemistry. It doesn’t always happen on the court,” Williams said. “I love these guys. It’s fun to come into work every day, it’s fun to travel with them, it’s never a dull moment. It’s just a great group of guys … definitely built some chemistry for sure.”