Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers and Shawne Williams have reached an agreement on a deal that will bring the veteran forward to the Lakers training camp, tweets Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. Sources close to the situation report that the deal is a training camp invite only. If Williams ends up making the team he will receive a one-year, minimum-salary deal with no guarantee, but the precise terms of the arrangement are unclear.
Williams previously played under Mike D’Antoni while the pair were with the New York Knicks. In 2010, the Knicks signed Williams to a one-year contract. Williams had his best season with New York, playing a key role off the bench for the team as the Knicks reached the 2011 NBA playoffs. Marc Berman of the New York Post reported that D’Antoni regards Williams very highly and is eager to work with him again.
During 2010-2011, Williams averaged 7.1 points on 42 percent shooting. D’Antoni has reportedly reached out to Williams due to his versatility and his ability to shoot the three.
Since being drafted into the NBA, Williams has had multiple incidents with the police. Williams was arrested three separate times regarding marijuana possession; the most recent was in December 13, 2012.
Williams will give the Lakers versatility in training camp this year. Williams will provide the answer to what the Lakers are looking for. Even though he is on a training camp invite there is a very good chance he makes the squad. With Ryan Kelly on the shelf coupled with the lack of depth at the small forward position, Williams’ chances of making the squad are promising.
Nugesse Ghebrendrias is a Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NugasayWhat24, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
