Notably, several key contributors from the previous South Bay Lakers squad are no longer part of the group.
Lakers Continue Reshaping G League Roster
RJ Davis is among the most notable absentees after joining the San Antonio Spurs’ Summer League roster, with a move to the Austin Spurs in the G League appears increasingly likely. Center Malik Williams is another former South Bay standout who has moved on, set to suit up for the Chicago Bulls during Summer League. Williams joined the Lakers midway through last season after South Bay acquired him from the College Park Skyhawks following Kylor Kelley’s departure to pursue an overseas opportunity.
Despite arriving late in the campaign, Williams made a strong impact and quickly established himself as a key piece of South Bay’s frontcourt rotation. Across 17 appearances, he averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 36.9% from three-point range on six attempts per game. With South Bay relocating and rebranding as the Coachella Valley Lakers ahead of the 2026-27 season, the organization’s G League roster is expected to undergo significant changes. Williams’ future remains uncertain, while last season’s two-way center Drew Timme has yet to resolve his next destination, leaving questions surrounding the frontcourt.
Lakers Already Adding New Developmental Talent
Roster turnover is a yearly reality in the G League, and the Lakers have already begun replenishing their developmental pipeline. The organization has signed centers Robbie Avila and William Kyle III to Exhibit-10 contracts, with both expected to feature during Summer League before competing for larger roles in training camp. If waived, their Exhibit-10 agreements include financial incentives to join the Coachella Valley Lakers, making both players strong candidates to remain within the organization. Kyle, in particular, arrives with intriguing upside. The 6-foot-9 center completed a four-year collegiate career at Syracuse, averaging 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks across 32 games as a senior. Despite being undersized for a traditional center, he emerged as one of the nation’s premier rim protectors, finishing with 81 blocked shots.
Kyle reportedly worked out for as many as 11 NBA teams before the draft, with the Lakers ultimately winning the bid over several other suitors to sign him. As for Williams, earning a spot on a regular-season roster appears unlikely, making a move to the Windy City Bulls the most realistic outcome. If that happens, the Bulls would need to acquire Williams’ returning G League rights from the Lakers, a routine offseason transaction that regularly takes place across the league.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles remains committed to building the next chapter of its developmental program, continuing to reshape the Coachella Valley Lakers with a fresh wave of promising young talent.
Note: This article focuses on roster movements, player development, and the ongoing evolution of the Lakers’ G League affiliate as they prepare for the upcoming Summer League and the broader development pipeline.
