In addition to these two-way commitments, the Lakers have brought in several players on Exhibit 10 contracts. Centers Robbie Avila and William Kyle III are among those added as the franchise continues to prepare for Summer League play and the broader offseason program. Exhibit 10 deals typically provide teams with avenues to funnel players through the G League while preserving roster and cap flexibility, a common approach for clubs seeking to evaluate multiple prospects in a measured, low-risk manner.
Defensive asset retention remains a focal point of the Lakers’ early offseason moves. The front office extended a two-way qualifying offer to guard Chris Manon, a procedural step designed to keep Manon within the Lakers’ control as a restricted free agent. This move discourages other teams from pursuing him aggressively while giving the Lakers additional leverage to shape his path this coming season. Manon spent his rookie season on a two-way contract, spending most of his time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. Across multiple competitions, he posted averages of 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, while shooting 51.2% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range.
Manon quickly established himself as one of the G League’s premier perimeter defenders, earning a spot on the G League All-Defensive Team after recording 97 steals, which ranked fifth in the league for the season. His play earned comparisons with several standout defenders in the pipeline, highlighting his potential as a disruptive guard at the NBA level. While his NBA minutes have been limited—totaling 46 across nine appearances—Manon’s impact on the defensive end and energy off the ball remain appealing to a franchise prioritizing defensive identity and depth.
During his G League stint, Manon had several standout stretches, including a game against the Stockton Kings where he logged six steals and contributed six points, eight rebounds, and three assists. This performance underscored his ability to impact multiple facets of the game beyond scoring, a trait coaches value highly when considering roles for defense-first wings or guards.
Despite strong G League performance, Manon’s progress at the NBA level has been gradual. His limited NBA exposure has led the Lakers to continue exploring options for the final two-way slot, weighing Manon’s ceiling against potential upgrades from other guards who can contribute immediately in higher minutes. In the meantime, the Lakers have retained Manon’s rights while continuing to assess their roster along with several two-way candidates who could emerge as contributors in 2026-27.
The broader context for these moves is clear: the Lakers finished the previous season with some scoring and depth gaps off the bench, particularly in areas requiring strong perimeter defense and energy. By keeping Manon in the fold and adding two-way and Exhibit 10 players, the organization signals a commitment to building a flexible, defense-minded second unit that can adapt to a variety of lineup configurations. The goal is to improve bench consistency, enhance in-game rotation options, and create more sustainable depth that can translate into better late-game execution and defensive pressure.
Summer League participation will be an important testing ground for these developments. Carr, Okereke, Suder, and Manon are all expected to compete for roster spots and opportunities to impress during summer competition. The Lakers will also evaluate other undrafted prospects and two-way candidates who can push for meaningful minutes as the team builds toward training camp. In this process, Manon’s performance in Summer League and preseason will be critical in determining whether he secures the final two-way contract or if the organization opts for alternative bullpen options to round out the backcourt and wing rotation.
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ management team must weigh several factors as they finalize their roster structure for the upcoming season. This includes assessing how Okereke’s versatility, Suder’s shooting and ball-handling abilities, and Carr’s development trajectory fit alongside established players and emerging prospects. The franchise’s emphasis on defense, energy, and two-way flexibility suggests a long-term plan centered on developing young players within the organization while maintaining the agility to adjust to injuries or strategic shifts during the season.
In sum, the early offseason moves indicate a careful, strategic approach to building depth and defensive resilience. By securing two-way contracts for promising young players, exploring Exhibit 10 options, and preserving Chris Manon’s rights, the Lakers are laying a foundation that could yield a more competitive, adaptable roster come fall. As Summer League unfolds and training camp approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see which players seize the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a Lakers lineup aiming to climb back into serious contention.
