New Lakers pickup drops truth bomb on choosing LA over the Bucks

However, both the Bucks and Lakers pursued him after the draft, but Marciulionis chose to sign with Los Angeles. He explained, “The attention was similar from both teams. But in Los Angeles, there were more people my agent and I knew and trusted. We understood the situation better there.”

Augustas Marciulionis, son of basketball legend Sarunas Marciulionis, went undrafted in 2025 after a broken foot derailed his draft stock, but he now has a chance to prove himself at Lakers training camp ahead of the new season.

Augustas Marciulionis choosing the Lakers over the Bucks

“For some reason, LA just felt like the right choice. Still, it wasn’t easy because I don’t know that much about the NBA environment yet. But we thought this was the best place for me,” he continued.

Marciulionis starred for the Saint Mary’s Gaels in college, posting 14.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game during the 2024-25 NCAA tournament, proving he has the tools to develop into a strong point guard.

Now with a chance to play for the Lakers, Marciulonis added that, “It was very strange (laughs). That whole period of uncertainty—when I didn’t know how things would turn out—was tough. And then the Lakers option came along. But there’s still a lot to prove and a lot of work to earn a full contract.”

“They showed me a lot of attention both in interviews and when it came to signing. I’m glad I’m in a good environment that believes in me—that’s the most important thing.”

An Exhibit 10 is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA contract at the minimum salary. If the player secures a spot on the 15-man roster, it converts into a standard minimum deal. Teams can also turn it into a two-way contract, giving the player time in both the NBA and the G League.