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‘Super excited’ LA Lakers signing admits he was talking to Warriors when Redick and Pelinka offered deal

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 12:00 PM ET

This NBA star wasn’t expecting a call from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is currently receiving major praise for convincing Luka Doncic to sign a three-year, $165 million extension with the team.

While locking down Doncic for the long term was the biggest task for Pelinka, it’s no good if the 5x NBA All-Star doesn’t have a quality supporting cast beside him.

Speaking of which, there are times when a team can get help from unexpected role players. That’s what the Purple and Gold would hope from Chris Manon.

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Chris Manon was at the mall talking to the Golden State Warriors when the LA Lakers called

Despite being undrafted, Manon garnered huge praise before the 2025 NBA Summer League as the Golden State Warriors gave him a breakthrough.

Evidently, when Manon ended up joining the Lakers, the Dub Nation was unhappy over the announcement.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that Manon revealed he was talking to the Warriors when head coach JJ Redick and GM Pelinka offered the undrafted rookie a two-way deal with the Lakers.

“I was talking with Golden State and one other team as well. I didn’t really expect it at all,” Manon said on Lakers Legacy podcast.

He added: “I was at the mall shopping, and I spoke with coach Redick and Rob, and I was super excited obviously.”

Well, it feels like Manon underestimated himself after his Summer League campaign with the Warriors, but the Lakers still showed trust in him.

Chris Manon makes ‘disappointed’ admission about LA Lakers workout

Considering the fact that Manon had a solid Summer League run, one may wonder why the 23-year-old wasn’t expecting a call from the Purple and Gold.

Well, Manon answered it by revealing he had an underwhelming workout with the franchise.

“I was a little bit disappointed with my performance at the Lakers workout. I thought I could do a little more. But I guess maybe I was wrong,” Manon revealed.

While Manon has earned a two-way contract with the Lakers, the job’s not finished yet. After all, if he fails to impress the coaching staff during the regular season, he may get waived.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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