Two-way guard Chris Manon erupted for a team-high 24 points to lead the Lakers to an 88-84 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. In 27 minutes, Manon showcased the offensive side of his game, shooting an efficient 7-for-10 from the field, 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, and 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. He also filled the stat sheet with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks, delivering an outstanding all-around performance.
Carr was limited to 12 minutes before being held out for the second half after scoring five points. Thiero sat out as well, likely due to the organization’s workload management approach following last year’s Summer League absence and a knee injury that affected portions of his rookie season.
Manon has earned a reputation as a defensive specialist, but his offensive production has often lagged behind. Monday’s performance offered a promising glimpse of what he could become if his scoring ability continues to develop.
The Lakers acted quickly this offseason to secure Manon’s long-term future, first issuing him a two-way qualifying offer to retain his restricted free-agent rights before bringing him back on another two-way contract. This strategy helped Los Angeles maintain control of Manon’s development while deterring interest from rival teams.
Defensively, Manon has already made his mark. In his rookie season with the South Bay Lakers, he established himself as one of the organization’s most reliable contributors. Across 46 appearances in all competitions, he averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals while shooting 51.2% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range. His impact on the defensive end earned him All-Defensive Team recognition after finishing with 97 steals, the fifth-highest total in the league. Only a few players logged more steals while also playing more minutes.
Manon registered at least four steals in nine different games, including a six-steal performance against the Stockton Kings in late March, a game in which he added six points, eight rebounds, and three assists. There were also encouraging flashes offensively, such as a 31-point performance against the Phoenix Suns in November, highlighted by a quartet of three-pointers and four steals, underscoring his ability to impact both ends of the floor.
Although he logged limited NBA action with the Lakers—46 total minutes across nine appearances—the organization clearly saw enough to keep investing in his development. Through three Summer League games, Manon is averaging 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 block while shooting an impressive 78.9% from the field.
If Monday’s breakout proves more than a one-off, the Lakers may have uncovered a genuine two-way contributor who can provide energy, defense, and reliable scoring off the bench in the years ahead. The upcoming Summer League slate could further reveal how his role might evolve and contribute to the team’s plans beyond the summer schedule.
