Arrow-right Camera
Subscribe now
Gonzaga Basketball

Zags alum Johnathan Williams shines in NBA debut with Lakers

Los Angeles Clippers guard Jerome Robinson, right, attempts a shot while Los Angeles Lakers forward Johnathan Williams defends during a preseason game on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press)

Former Gonzaga Bulldog Johnathan Williams made his NBA debut Monday night and it was quite a first impression.

Williams came off the bench to score eight points, grab four rebounds and block three shots for the Los Angeles Lakers, who lost 143-142 in overtime to visiting San Antonio.

Williams’ first basket came on a dunk and he followed that up with another dunk a few minutes later. He re-entered the game in overtime and contributed a putback off of a LeBron James’ miss.

The 6-foot-9 rookie added another field goal and swatted two shots at the defensive end as the Lakers led 142-136 with 55.6 seconds left.

The Spurs closed with a 7-0 run, capped by former Saint Mary’s standout Patty Mills’ go-ahead jumper with 7 seconds remaining. James misfired on a jumper just before the buzzer.

Williams signed a two-way contract with the Lakers on Friday.