Lakers Add Former Gonzaga Star Anton Watson on Exhibit 10 Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that they’ve brought in 6‑foot‑8, 225‑pound forward Anton Watson on an Exhibit 10 contract. It’s the kind of low‑key move that often flies under the radar, but for a team looking to add depth and develop young talent, it could matter.

Watson isn’t a stranger to the organization. Last season he logged valuable minutes for the South Bay Lakers, the club’s G‑League affiliate, where he posted averages of 11 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals in 27.3 minutes per game. Those numbers suggest a versatile wing who can both score and defend, even if the sample size is modest.

Of course, his résumé stretches farther back. The Gonzaga product spent five seasons (2019‑2024) with the Bulldogs, honing a game that blends solid shooting with a high‑basket IQ. In the 2024 NBA Draft, Boston selected Watson late in the second round, 54th overall. The Celtics’ run with him was brief – they waived him in March 2025 – after which he caught on with the New York Knicks for nine games.

What’s interesting is how quickly Watson bounced around after Boston. A short Knicks stint, a solid G‑League showing, and now a contract with the Lakers – it reads like a classic “player on the cusp” story. The Exhibit 10 deal means the Lakers can stash him in the G‑League while still retaining his NBA rights, and if he makes the regular‑season roster, he’ll earn a guaranteed bonus. It’s a win‑win for both sides, really.

Fans might remember Watson from the 2026 California Classic Summer League, when he suited up for the Lakers against the Miami Heat at the Chase Center. The game was a showcase for young talent, and Watson’s hustle there likely helped seal this latest opportunity.

Whether Watson earns a spot on the 15‑man roster or continues to develop in the G‑League, his signing adds another layer to a Lakers roster that’s been busy reshaping itself. Keep an eye on his progress; a few solid performances could turn this Exhibit 10 contract into something more permanent.