What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Tevian Jones, a 6-foot-7 player who recently completed a successful season in the G League. Jones, who was undrafted in 2023, began his college basketball career at Illinois before transferring to Southern Utah. In his final college season, he averaged 17.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, with a 36.2% success rate from three-point range. During the 2024-25 G League season with the Grand Rapids Gold, Jones averaged 15.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, although his three-point shooting percentage dipped slightly to 34.6%. The Lakers have signed Jones to an Exhibit 10 contract, which provides incentives for him to remain with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, if he does not secure a two-way contract with the main team.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Tevian Jones is significant for the Lakers as they look to bolster their roster with promising talent. Jones' performance in the G League demonstrates his potential to contribute at the NBA level, particularly in a team that values versatile players. The Lakers' decision to bring Jones into their training camp reflects their strategy of developing young talent who can learn from established stars like LeBron James. This move could benefit both the player and the team, as Jones gains valuable experience and the Lakers potentially add depth to their lineup.
What's Next?
Jones will participate in the Lakers' training camp, where he will have the opportunity to compete for a two-way contract. His performance during this period will determine whether he remains with the Lakers or joins their G League affiliate. The Lakers will assess his fit within the team dynamics and his ability to adapt to the NBA's competitive environment. Success in training camp could lead to a more permanent role with the Lakers, while a stint in the G League would allow Jones to continue developing his skills.
