September 18, 2026 • 3:02 AM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed forward Anton Watson to an Exhibit 10 contract. If you’re following the Lakers’ offseason moves, this might register as another minor signing, but there’s a bit more to it than just filling a training camp slot. Watson’s addition speaks to roster construction and how the Lakers want flexibility — not just stars, but also hungry players looking to carve out a role.
Watson isn’t exactly a household name. He’s 6-foot-8, weighs 225 pounds, and spent last season with the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 11 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across nearly 27 and a half minutes. Those numbers won’t wow you on the surface, but they tell you this: Watson is active, he fills up a box score, and plays the modern forward’s role — switchable, mobile, and able to do a bit of everything. That’s why these stats matter if you’re betting on Lakers’ depth or even considering preseason props.
Why does an Exhibit 10 matter for Watson and the Lakers? In short: this deal is non-guaranteed, giving the Lakers flexibility to convert him to a two-way deal or funnel him back to South Bay with a financial incentive. For Watson, it’s a real shot to show out in camp and maybe catch on when rosters get finalized, especially if injuries or trades open a door.
According to Yahoo Sports, Watson’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. He was picked 54th in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Celtics, then waived before the season ended, after which he logged nine games with the New York Knicks. It’s a classic path for guys fighting for a full NBA roster spot — bounce between teams, try to impress wherever you land, and keep your name in NBA circles.
Most importantly for Lakers fans and NBA bettors, Watson’s time at Gonzaga and his steady production in the G-League prove he can deliver as a second-unit energy guy. These are often the players who earn a surprise roster spot or become summer league darlings that move the early betting lines. If the Lakers need someone to fill minutes amid injuries or rest days, Watson could be a sneaky candidate to get called up and cover the spread — literally and figuratively.
Watson’s Road: From Gonzaga to LA Opportunity
Taking a step back, Watson’s résumé includes five years at Gonzaga, where he built a reputation as a glue guy, not a primary scorer. That’s valuable for a contending team looking for low-usage players who can play off stars. After college, he’s put in work in the G-League and picked up invaluable experience, even if it’s on deals that don’t guarantee him a spot.
- Lakers sign Anton Watson to an Exhibit 10 contract for flexibility
- Watson averaged 11 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals in South Bay
- Drafted 54th in 2024 by the Celtics, waived, then played nine games for the Knicks
- Five-year college career at Gonzaga, known for all-around contributions
- Deal allows Lakers to convert contract, keep Watson close as roster insurance
Why This Signing Matters for Bettors
You’re probably not rewriting your Lakers futures based on Watson, but this signing tells you how the Lakers are approaching their bench. These Exhibit 10 players can be the difference on injury nights or in back-to-backs. For prop bettors or daily fantasy, Watson’s presence means the Lakers have another live body capable of producing in spot minutes. He is not locked in for the rotation, but his G-League stats say he’s ready whenever his number is called.
Key takeaways
- Anton Watson joins Lakers on an Exhibit 10 deal — he’s fighting for a roster spot.
- His G-League stats suggest well-rounded production, a useful fit for LA’s style.
- The contract lets LA assess him through camp with room for a two-way conversion.
- Watson’s path shows the volatility of late draft picks and why these guys stay hungry.
- Fantasy and prop bettors should keep an eye on Watson for injury call-ups and spot starts.
More coverage: NBA news coverage, our NBA betting analysis and today’s NBA picks.
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