As NBA teams across the league finalize training camp rosters, the Los Angeles Lakers made a series of roster moves this weekend to set the stage for camp and the season ahead. With media day scheduled for Monday and training camp opening immediately after, the Lakers appear focused on filling developmental slots while keeping flexibility for potential two-way signings.
Roster Moves: Watson and Williams In, Dixon and Jones Out
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On Saturday, the Lakers announced the signings of forward Anton Watson and guard Jeenathan “Nate” Williams. To create space, Los Angeles waived Tevian Jones and Eric Dixon, per The Athletic’s Law Murray. Jones had just signed the day prior, while Dixon had been with the team since late July.
Dixon, who led Villanova in scoring last season, was once considered a candidate for a two-way contract. However, injury setbacks prevented him from participating in summer league, and his Lakers tenure ended before training camp began. Both he and Jones are expected to land with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where Exhibit 10 contracts allow for bonuses of up to $85,300 if they remain with the team for at least 60 days.
Spotlight on Anton Watson and Nate Williams
Watson, turning 25 next week, was the No. 54 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. After signing a two-way deal with Boston, he was waived in March and later claimed by the New York Knicks, where he appeared in nine games and shot 44.4 percent from the field.
Williams, 26, went undrafted in 2022 but has carved out a path to the NBA through multiple stops. After brief time with Utah and Portland, he spent the past two seasons with the Houston Rockets, where he transitioned from a two-way contract to a standard deal. Williams has appeared in 47 career games, including a productive stretch with Portland in which he averaged 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over five games.
Competition for the Final Two-Way Spot
The Lakers currently have two of their three two-way slots filled with Christian Koloko and rookie Chris Mañon. That leaves one opening, which Watson and Williams are both eligible to compete for. Even if neither secures the spot, both players are expected to play key roles in the G League with South Bay, giving the Lakers a chance to further evaluate them during the season.
As training camp begins, Los Angeles’ 15-man roster is already set, but the battle for developmental roles and future opportunities remains a subplot worth watching.