Lou Williams, the NBA’s all-time Sixth Man icon, has never shied away from owning his role, and now, he’s revealed just how far he went to protect it.
In a recent interview, Williams shared that he would actively tell teams not to start him, even when he was playing like a star, in order to preserve his identity as a bench scorer and secure a $1 million All-Star bonus tied to his sixth-man status.
“Do not put me out there… this is my legacy, let me get as many as I can,” Williams said, referring to the bonus clause and his pursuit of Sixth Man of the Year honors.
Lou Williams shared that he would actively tell teams not to start him, even when he was playing like a star, in order to preserve his identity as a bench scorer and secure a $1 million All-Star bonus tied to his sixth-man status.
“Do not put me out there… this is my legacy,” pic.twitter.com/vcXMxPi9TI
— OpenCourt-Basketball (@OpenCourtFB) September 11, 2025
In an era where most players chase starting roles and max contracts, Williams carved out a different path, one built on impact, efficiency, and self-awareness. He understood that his value wasn’t diminished by coming off the bench; it was amplified. By embracing the sixth-man role, he became the NBA’s ultimate spark plug, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award three times and redefining what it means to be a game-changer.
His decision to remain a reserve wasn’t just strategic, it was philosophical. Williams saw the sixth-man role as a craft, a specialization that deserved respect. And with a $1 million incentive tied to All-Star recognition as a bench player, he had every reason to protect that lane.
Williams’ career is a masterclass in microwave scoring. Whether it was dropping 50 points on the Warriors in 2018 or averaging over 22 points per game off the bench for the Clippers, “Sweet Lou” made a living torching starters in the second quarter and closing games in the fourth.
“Y’all sought me out for bench scoring,” he once said. “You weren’t looking for another star. You were looking for that guy… and I always did it well.”
Williams’ comments also reignite the debate around his Hall of Fame candidacy. While he never made an All-Star team, his longevity, scoring totals, and cultural impact make a compelling case. He didn’t just play the sixth-man role, he elevated it to an art form.
And as he said himself, legacy matters.
“This is my legacy… let me get as many as I can.”
