Lakers Roster Moves
Los Angeles Lakers Bolster Summer League Roster with Seven Undrafted Signings, Target Center Upgrade
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed seven players since the 2026 NBA Draft ended, building out a Summer League roster centered on shooting, defense, and interior depth. The newest additions include former Baylor wing Cameron Carr, Syracuse center William Kyle III, and two-way signees AK Okereke and Peter Suder, according to Idaho Statesman.
The flurry of moves sets the stage for a high-stakes summer. A major decision looms on June 29, when center Deandre Ayton must decide whether to exercise his $8.1 million player option — a choice that could reshape the entire roster, per Heavy Sports.
Carr, Kyle, and Five Others Fill Out the Roster
Cameron Carr was the Lakers' top draft pick, selected 24th overall in a deal with the New York Knicks. The 6'5" Baylor wing averaged 18.9 points per game last season on 49.4% shooting. Scouts describe him as having "NBA-ready range" and elite athleticism, according to Star-Telegram.
William Kyle III brings rim protection. The 6'9" Syracuse center averaged 2.5 blocks per game and shot 66.1% from the field. He signed an Exhibit 10 deal — a short-term contract that pays a bonus of up to $91,000 if a player moves to the G League, per ESPN. Chase Ross (Marquette), Robbie Avila (Saint Louis), and Robert McCray V (Florida State) also signed Exhibit 10 deals.
Two-Way Deals Give Okereke and Suder a Real Shot
AK Okereke and Peter Suder landed two-way contracts — a bigger commitment than an Exhibit 10. Okereke, a 6'7" forward from Vanderbilt, shot 40% from three-point range. Two-way contracts allow players to split time between the NBA roster and the G League, according to HoopsHype.
Suder was the MAC Player of the Year at Miami (OH). He led his team to a 31-0 regular season record and shot 42.1% from deep. The Lakers want him to space the floor for their primary creators. Robbie Avila, known as "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," is another standout. The 6'10" big man from Saint Louis University averaged 4.1 assists per game and won Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, per Sports Illustrated.
Deandre Ayton's Decision Could Change Everything
The center position is the biggest question mark on the roster. Ayton holds an $8.1 million player option due June 29. If he opts in, the Lakers are expected to look for trade partners, per Heavy Sports. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that "Luka's camp was told to wait until the summer of 2026" for major upgrades at center.
Luka Doncic reportedly wants an elite center who can protect the rim and work in pick-and-roll situations. That is why the Lakers targeted defensive bigs like Kyle in the draft process. By stacking Exhibit 10 and two-way deals, the front office keeps salary cap space flexible for a potential blockbuster trade before free agency opens June 30.
Summer League in Las Vegas Becomes a High-Stakes Audition
With only one two-way roster spot remaining, the Las Vegas Summer League will serve as a direct competition. Avila and Robert McCray V are fighting for that final slot, according to Sports Illustrated. McCray averaged 16.3 points and 6.1 assists per game at Florida State and recorded a 43-inch vertical leap.
The Lakers have a history of finding gems in the undrafted market. Austin Reaves went undrafted and just signed a four-year, $185 million contract. GM Rob Pelinka appears to be running the same playbook — sign multiple high-upside players and see who sticks. Fans have already dubbed Avila a potential "hidden gem" in the Reaves mold, per fan discussion tracked by The Olympian.
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