The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed guard Chris Mañon to a two-way contract, a move that signals both a commitment to player development and a calculated step toward reinforcing the team’s backcourt depth as the franchise continues to balance its veteran-heavy roster with youthful energy and potential. Mañon, who has been on the radar of several NBA teams due to his impressive performances in the G League and summer workouts, represents the kind of under-the-radar signing that can provide unexpected value for a team with championship aspirations. While this transaction may not dominate headlines like blockbuster trades or superstar extensions, it could prove to be a pivotal decision as the Lakers strive to maintain flexibility and depth for the demanding 2025-26 NBA season.
Chris Mañon’s journey to the NBA is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless work ethic. Unlike some high-profile prospects who enter the league with years of hype and media attention, Mañon has carved his path through grit and determination, excelling in every opportunity he’s been given. Standing 6-foot-4, he is known for his defensive intensity, ability to guard multiple positions, and a developing offensive arsenal that allows him to contribute as both a playmaker and a scorer. His rise through the ranks of developmental leagues has been fueled by a consistent ability to impact games without always needing the ball in his hands. For the Lakers, who have faced questions about their defensive identity and secondary playmaking behind their stars, Mañon’s skill set is a welcome addition.
A two-way contract is a strategic tool used by NBA franchises to evaluate emerging talent while keeping roster flexibility intact. For Mañon, this type of contract allows him to split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, ensuring he gets the minutes and developmental opportunities necessary to further refine his game. From the team’s perspective, the two-way deal provides insurance in case of injuries or roster shakeups while also offering a low-risk, high-reward scenario for cultivating young talent. Given the Lakers’ recent history of finding gems through unconventional means—players like Austin Reaves, who rose from being undrafted to becoming a core rotation piece—there is optimism that Mañon could follow a similar trajectory if he continues to maximize his potential.
The Lakers’ front office has made a point of blending established stars with emerging players who can complement the team’s style of play. With LeBron James entering yet another season as the leader of the franchise and Anthony Davis continuing to be the anchor on both ends of the floor, the supporting cast becomes critical in determining how far the team can go in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. While marquee signings and trades naturally garner the most attention, the smaller moves—such as adding players like Mañon—often make the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. The Lakers’ recent struggles with injuries have highlighted the need for dependable depth, particularly in the guard rotation. Mañon’s versatility allows him to slot into different roles depending on matchups, whether as a defensive stopper, a secondary ball handler, or an energy player off the bench.
From a developmental standpoint, Mañon’s signing also reflects the Lakers’ commitment to building through their G League system. The South Bay Lakers have been instrumental in developing players who eventually earn meaningful roles with the main roster. In Mañon’s case, the opportunity to learn from experienced veterans while getting substantial playing time in the G League could accelerate his transition into an NBA-ready contributor. His work ethic and adaptability have drawn praise from scouts who view him as a “glue guy”—someone who does the little things that help teams win, such as hustling for loose balls, rotating on defense, and making smart decisions with the ball.
Mañon’s style of play is tailor-made for the modern NBA. He is a high-energy defender who thrives on disrupting passing lanes and pressuring ball-handlers, traits that will undoubtedly catch the attention of Lakers coach Darvin Ham. Ham, who has emphasized defensive accountability since taking over the team, could find in Mañon a player who perfectly aligns with his defensive schemes. While Mañon is still refining his offensive game, particularly his perimeter shooting, his slashing ability and willingness to attack the basket make him a threat when defenses collapse on the Lakers’ primary stars. His court vision and ability to make quick reads also give him potential as a secondary playmaker—a role the Lakers have sometimes lacked when LeBron is off the court.
The timing of this signing also speaks to the Lakers’ broader strategy. As the team prepares for training camp and finalizes its roster, every move is made with both immediate and long-term goals in mind. Mañon’s two-way deal gives the team an additional guard option during the grueling regular season, where managing the workload of stars like LeBron James becomes critical. With the league adopting stricter load management policies, having a reliable pool of players who can step in without a significant drop-off in performance is essential. Mañon’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor means he could see spot minutes in the NBA sooner rather than later, especially if he impresses during practices and early-season games.
For Mañon himself, signing with a storied franchise like the Lakers represents not just a career milestone but also a golden opportunity to showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in sports. The Lakers’ global fanbase ensures that every player who dons the purple and gold is under constant scrutiny, but this also brings unparalleled exposure. If Mañon can carve out even a modest role in the rotation, his profile could rise significantly, potentially leading to a standard NBA contract down the line. The success stories of players who have transitioned from two-way deals to regular roster spots—such as Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves—serve as an inspiring blueprint for Mañon to follow.
It is also worth considering how Mañon’s signing fits into the Lakers’ overall roster construction. The team has prioritized adding younger, more athletic players around its veteran core to keep up with the fast-paced, perimeter-oriented style of today’s NBA. In that context, Mañon’s defensive intensity and ability to switch across multiple positions make him an ideal piece in certain lineups, particularly when the Lakers look to play small-ball or ramp up their defensive pressure. His skill set could complement other young players on the roster, creating a dynamic second unit capable of sustaining leads or sparking comebacks.
While expectations for Mañon should be tempered—given that two-way players typically see limited minutes at the NBA level—there is reason to believe he could surprise fans and analysts alike. His journey has been defined by defying odds, and the Lakers have a recent history of discovering overlooked talent that thrives under their developmental system. The combination of Mañon’s work ethic, the Lakers’ need for depth, and the opportunity to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the game creates a scenario where he could make a significant impact sooner than expected.
Moreover, the Lakers’ competitive aspirations mean that every roster spot matters. As they aim to contend for another championship, finding the right balance between veterans and emerging talent is key. Mañon’s signing may not be the kind of move that dominates sports talk shows, but within the walls of the organization, such acquisitions are seen as vital components of the bigger picture. Whether he ends up as a rotation regular or primarily develops in the G League this season, Mañon’s presence strengthens the Lakers’ options and provides insurance against the uncertainties that come with an 82-game season.
Ultimately, the signing of Chris Mañon to a two-way contract encapsulates the Lakers’ approach to team building in the modern NBA—an approach that values depth, flexibility, and the cultivation of untapped potential. While the spotlight will always shine brightest on the team’s superstars, the contributions of players like Mañon often become the hidden factors that define a season’s success. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Mañon integrates with the team and whether he can translate his promising skill set into meaningful contributions at the NBA level. For now, this move is both a vote of confidence in Mañon’s abilities and a reminder that in basketball, as in life, sometimes the most impactful stories are the ones that start quietly, waiting for the right moment to explode into the spotlight.
