One notable player turning heads in Las Vegas and beyond is Anton Watson, a former Celtics second-round pick who spent the 2025-26 season with the South Bay Lakers. Watson has been a focal point of the team’s summer showcase, delivering a blend of energy, versatility, and floor-breading size at 6-foot-8 that makes him a valuable asset in the G League pipeline and a potential two-way contributor for the parent club.
In the California Classic’s dramatic 93-91 double-overtime win over the Miami Heat, Watson posted a solid stat line: 12 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals. He contributed 3 offensive boards, underscoring his impact on possessions beyond the box score. Despite an inefficient shooting night (4-for-12 from the floor and 1-for-5 from beyond the arc), his late-game awareness and hustle played a decisive role in sealing the victory. He missed a potential game-winning layup at the end of the first overtime, but redeemed himself by tipping in a missed Cameron Carr attempt at the buzzer in the second overtime, tipping the scales in favor of Los Angeles.
Watson’s presence has consistently been felt on and off the court. Earlier in the California Classic opener against the Golden State Warriors, he logged nine points, three rebounds, one assist, and a block across 20 minutes, contributing to a trying night for the team but demonstrating his resilience and readiness to contribute in extended minutes. The Lakers are likely to keep Watson in heavy rotation during Summer League as they continue to evaluate how a player who has already spent significant time within the organization’s developmental ecosystem fits into their broader plans.
Watson’s professional journey began after he was selected 54th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. His early professional career included a two-way stint with the Maine Celtics, where he averaged 12.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game across 37 G League appearances. Although he was waived by the Celtics organization in March of his rookie season, he found another NBA opportunity with the New York Knicks, appearing in nine games in a limited role. Before turning pro, Watson enjoyed a decorated collegiate career at Gonzaga, where he earned First Team All-WCC honors in 2024 and was recognized as a versatile, two-way contributor with scoring ability both inside and on the perimeter.
Prospective scouts and evaluators have repeatedly highlighted Watson’s breadth of tools. He possesses a broad base, a thick frame, and natural strength. His skill set encompasses scoring from the low block, perimeter shooting, and polished passing, giving coaches flexibility in how to deploy him on both ends of the floor. This combination is particularly appealing for a franchise that emphasizes versatile forward play and multi-positional defense.
For the Lakers, the path forward for Watson appears to center on continuous exposure to their developmental system and extended exhibition reps. While a future two-way contract is a possibility, it remains equally plausible that another season in the G League could be the most practical route for continued growth and refinement. His Summer League performance, combined with strong showings in training camp, could bolster his case by highlighting his readiness to contribute at the NBA level when called upon.
Beyond Watson, the Lakers’ Summer League roster includes other players from the organization’s extensive developmental pipeline who are aiming to secure a longer-term role. The focus remains on evaluating young talent who can grow with the franchise, whether through two-way deals, G League assignments, or eventual NBA rotations. The dynamic nature of Summer League allows the Lakers to observe which players adapt to the pace, physicality, and strategic demands at the professional level, while also identifying areas for improvement such as shooting consistency, decision-making, and defensive positioning.
In sum, Anton Watson’s Summer League journey epitomizes the Lakers’ approach: leveraging internal development, giving prospects meaningful reps, and identifying players who can contribute to the team’s evolving blueprint. While results in July and August are only one part of a longer evaluation process, Watson’s performances—particularly his energy on the boards, versatility on the floor, and ability to impact late-game moments—signal that he remains a compelling candidate to monitor as the organization charts its path forward.
Key takeaways to watch as Summer League continues:
– Watson’s consistency in rebounding and secondary playmaking could earn him a steady role in future rosters.
– His combination of size and perimeter mobility may allow him to slot into multiple positions, offering lineup versatility.
– The Lakers’ ongoing assessment throughout Summer League will shape how they utilize him in the G League, two-way arrangements, or potential NBA call-ups in the coming seasons.
Fans and followers of the Lakers’ development program should stay tuned to summer RECaps, box scores, and coachable moments from Woodley Park’s showcase to gauge how Watson and fellow development players are progressing. The Summer League is a critical proving ground for the organization’s young talent, and Watson’s performances provide a clear barometer for future opportunities within the Lakers’ evolving framework.
