The young Los Angeles Lakers have already enjoyed much more success than many expected this season. They were projected to be at the bottom of the standings by season's end but are currently in the middle of the Western Conference with a 10-12 record.

One player responsible for their relative success is Lou Williams, who is averaging 16.5 points, 3.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game coming off the bench.

The team loves his ability to get to the foul line and how he inspires his teammates. For those reasons among others, the Lakers believe Williams should be selected for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.

Center Tarik Black told reporters it's a closed case as far as he's concerned.

“With the way our unit is doing, the way we’re winning this year and the way things have turned around, he definitely should win. I can’t think of anyone else to give the Sixth Man of the Year to.”

He's not the only one to believe it either. Teammate Larry Nance Jr. says Williams has to be in the conversation.

“He absolutely belongs in that conversation. I don’t think anyone would question that. If he weren’t in that conversation, that would be silly.”

The season is young, and no awards are being handed out anytime soon. Coach Luke Walton doesn't think the team should be worried about awards right now anyway, and won't play into the notion.

“I don’t even know who our sixth man is. Is it Lou? Is it Jordan (Clarkson)? Is it Larry?”

Williams is a smart player when it comes to creating shots and getting to the line. It's a remarkable skill he has managed to develop and it only helps his team in the long run.

He is, however, focused on leadership, and the team is doing well enough because of it.

“I’m just playing as consistently as I possibly can. At the end of the year if I get (the Sixth Man award), then I get it.”