Lakers Rule Out Williams Against Raptors
Ziaire Williams is out with a left foot injury management designation, and Jake LaRavia enters the starting lineup.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Basketball
The Los Angeles Lakers ruled out forward Ziaire Williams for Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors after downgrading him from questionable. Williams will miss his third consecutive game with a left foot issue, and Jake LaRavia has entered the starting lineup in his absence.
Why it matters
Williams, 25, earned a starting job in training camp and has been a regular contributor, so his absence changes the Lakers' rotation. Cameron Carr is available for the first time this season, while Adou Thiero remains out with a left knee injury management designation.
Across the first four games, Williams averaged 11.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 57.1% from the field and 46.7% from 3-point range. His return timing against Miami remains unconfirmed.
The players
Ziaire Williams
Lakers forward, 25, who earned a starting job in training camp and has been out with a left foot injury management designation.
Jake LaRavia
Lakers forward who has entered the starting lineup in Williams' absence.
The details
The Lakers downgraded Williams from questionable to out, and the team's injury report lists the reason as left foot injury management. Carr is available for the first time this season after a right oblique strain, while Thiero remains sidelined with a left knee designation.
Timeline
Sunday: Lakers play the Toronto Raptors without Williams.
Monday: Lakers host the Miami Heat, with a possible Williams return.
Season Trajectory
Williams established himself as a starter through the Lakers' first four games of the season, making this three-game absence a direct interruption of that early role. The Lakers' rotation now shifts toward LaRavia while the team manages Williams' foot.
Fantasy managers rostering Williams should plan for a reduced role while he sits, with LaRavia moving into the starting group. Williams' possible return against Miami will determine whether his lineup spot is restored on Monday.
The takeaway
Injury designations can shift a rotation quickly, and monitoring the team's daily report is the clearest way to track when a player like Williams is cleared to return.
What happens next
Williams may be able to return for the Lakers' Monday game against the Miami Heat, which will show whether the foot issue has cleared.
Further reading
For more on the team's rotation and injury news, see Basketball coverage across Los Angeles.
