Lakers biggest X-factor outside of their Big 3 might surprise you

It’s actually a perplexing question. Who is the Lakers’ biggest X-factor outside of their Big 3? There are nine new players. We know Luka Dončić is an offensive wizard who’s a top-four NBA player.We know Austin Reaves is a borderline All-Star.

We know Walker Kessler is an elite rebounder and rim protector who’s ready to run through a wall for the Lakers. But we also know that the best teams in the league are deep. We know that if the Lakers are going to make any noise in the playoffs, they need a cadre of fresh legs.They need guys who are willing to star in their roles. So, who’s the team’s dark horse? Who’s the unsuspecting player who could make a major difference?It could be Sandro Mamukelashvili, a playmaking forward who’s already putting his stamp on the team.

He’s a great scorer.He can fill in the slack when Doncic or Reaves needs a rest. It could be Matisse Thybulle, who’s a talented wing stopper and is going to be looked at to fill the hole Marcus Smart left behind. It could be Jake LaRavia, who’s apparently made leaps this offseason as a defender and scorer. It could be any number of guys, ranging from the young and athletic Adou Thiero, to the 3&D-skilled Quentin Grimes, to the three-level scorer Collin Sexton. But there’s one name that keeps coming up.

Everyone mentions him.Everyone has been struck by him. Ziaire Williams has surpassed everyone’s expectations in training camp. Heading into this season, the Lakers have been lacking one apparent thing: an athletic and high-flying perimeter defender.Williams fits that bill.

And he’s looking for a fresh start.That could be a powerful combination.

The 25-year-old Williams is entering his sixth season and is now playing for his third team following being selected as the 10th overall pick by the Grizzlies in the 2021 draft. Williams has a 6-foot-10 wingspan.He’s physical.

He’s scrappy. The 6-9 forward’s defensive skills shined at moments during his last...