The Lakers have signed free agent forward Anton Watson to an Exhibit 10 contract, tweets Dan Woike of The Athletic.

Watson, who turns 26 years old in October, was the 54th overall pick in the 2024 draft. He spent 2024/25 — his rookie season — on a two-way contract with Boston and New York, having made nine brief NBA appearances with the Knicks (he played 22 total minutes).

The former Gonzaga standout spent training camp and the preseason with the Lakers last year before he was waived prior to the regular season, and that could be the case again in 2026. Assuming that comes to fruition, he’d be eligible for a bonus worth up to $91K — on top of his normal G League salary — if he spends at least 60 days with the Coachella Valley Lakers.

Exhibit 10 deals can also be converted into two-way contracts. While Los Angeles doesn’t currently have a two-way opening, all two-way deals are non-guaranteed, so Watson could theoretically be promoted if he impresses the team in the coming weeks. Of course, there’s always a chance he won’t stick around that long, since so many players are waived quickly this time of year.

Watson played 50 combined games with the Lakers’ NBAGL affiliate last season, averaging 11.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists (against only 0.7 turnovers), 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks in 27.2 minutes per contest. His shooting slash line was .500/.332/.697.

Watson most recently played for the Lakers’ Summer League team, averaging 7.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG and 0.9 BPG in 20.7 MPG across seven combined outings.