Lakers Sign Forward Anton Watson

The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have signed forward Anton Watson. The terms of the deal were not disclosed but it presumably is an Exhibit 10 contract.

That will allow Watson to spend training camp and the preseason with the Lakers and then have his contract transferred over to the Coachella Valley Lakers in the G League if he does not make the parent squad or land elsewhere.

Watson (6’8”, 225) appeared in 50 games (34 starts) for the South Bay Lakers during the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals in 27.3 minutes. He joined the Lakers for training camp on an Exhibit 10 contract a year ago and then played with the team again in Summer League this year.

Originally selected 54th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Draft, Watson played five seasons at Gonzaga (2019-24), earning All-WCC First Team honors as a senior.

He is a bit undersized for a center and not quick enough to be a wing, but Watson has a unique skillset that the Lakers clearly have taken an interest in continuing to develop moving forward.

The Lakers are already facing a roster crunch with the need to waive someone before Opening Night, but they have the ability to carry up to 21 players on their training camp roster.

Lakers wing Ziaire Williams takes pride in defense

One of the Lakers’ other additions this offseason was Ziaire Williams, a versatile wing who should bring some much-needed point of attack defense. He really spoke about taking pride in that end of the floor, which will be key on this Lakers team.

“Absolutely. Defense is making sure your body’s right, being staying in shape and definitely doing a lot of cardio and a lot of work. We worked hard every day, and now it definitely paid off. So summer’s not over yet, but I’m definitely happy where I’m at right now.”