In a savvy offseason move, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed RJ Davis , the 2024 ACC Player of the Year from North Carolina, after he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Davis joins a reshaped Lakers squad headlined by Luka Doncic and veteran leader LeBron James , as the franchise continues to retool its roster to compete in the upcoming season.
Who Is RJ Davis?
RJ Davis was one of the most decorated guards in college basketball. Spending five seasons at UNC, Davis ended his collegiate career as the third-highest scorer in ACC history and second all-time at North Carolina. His final year saw him average 17.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 41.3% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc.
Despite his production and leadership, Davis went undrafted—likely due to size concerns at the NBA level. However, his scoring ability, reliable shooting—particularly off the catch—and maturity as a floor general caught the Los Angeles Lakers’ attention.
RJ Davis’ Contract Details and Implications
RJ Davis has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Los Angeles, giving him a shot to earn a full-time role through training camp. The deal allows the Lakers to convert his contract into a two-way slot or assign him to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, where he could earn up to $85,300 if he remains with the team for 60 days.
This signing is part of a broader developmental push by the Los Angeles Lakers, who also added college standouts Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, and Augustas Marčiulionis. The front office is clearly emphasizing youth, shooting, and high basketball IQ to round out the bench.
How Davis Complements Doncic and LeBron
The arrival of Luka Doncic last season changed the team’s core dynamics. With Doncic and LeBron now at the helm, the Lakers are seeking role players who can stretch the floor, handle the ball, and defend. Davis offers a skill set that fits seamlessly into this strategy:
• Perimeter Shooting: Davis thrives as a catch-and-shoot option, perfect for spacing the floor around Doncic and James.
• Secondary Playmaker: His experience as a lead guard in college means he can relieve ball-handling pressure when needed.
• Defensive Hustle: While not physically imposing, Davis is quick and competitive on defense, capable of pestering opposing guards.
• Mature Approach: With 175 college games under his belt, Davis brings composure and decision-making that often eludes younger NBA players.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Rebuilding and Contending Plan
This offseason signals a clear dual-pronged approach from the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to established names like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, the franchise is investing in unheralded prospects like Davis who may blossom in the right system. As LeBron nears the twilight of his career, the focus has shifted to building a roster that can win now while grooming future contributors around Doncic.
General manager Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick appear committed to fostering internal growth, creating opportunities for players like Davis to earn their spot in a competitive environment.
RJ Davis may be an under-the-radar signing, but his accolades, shooting stroke, and seasoned mindset give him a real shot at cracking the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation. If he proves himself during training camp and in the G League, he could become a reliable spark plug off the bench—someone who adds shooting, smarts, and energy in crucial minutes.
Davis’s college legacy—complete with big-time shots in March and ACC dominance—suggests he’s no stranger to pressure. With the bright lights of Los Angeles ahead of him, he’ll look to carve out his place alongside two of the game’s biggest stars.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers Bring in Four Undrafted Rookies on Exhibit 10 Deals Ahead of 2025-26 Season
The 2025-26 season could be the beginning of a compelling new chapter for both Davis and a Lakers team full of ambition and change.
Who Is RJ Davis?
RJ Davis was one of the most decorated guards in college basketball. Spending five seasons at UNC, Davis ended his collegiate career as the third-highest scorer in ACC history and second all-time at North Carolina. His final year saw him average 17.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 41.3% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc.
Despite his production and leadership, Davis went undrafted—likely due to size concerns at the NBA level. However, his scoring ability, reliable shooting—particularly off the catch—and maturity as a floor general caught the Los Angeles Lakers’ attention.
RJ Davis’ Contract Details and Implications
RJ Davis has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Los Angeles, giving him a shot to earn a full-time role through training camp. The deal allows the Lakers to convert his contract into a two-way slot or assign him to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, where he could earn up to $85,300 if he remains with the team for 60 days.
This signing is part of a broader developmental push by the Los Angeles Lakers, who also added college standouts Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, and Augustas Marčiulionis. The front office is clearly emphasizing youth, shooting, and high basketball IQ to round out the bench.
How Davis Complements Doncic and LeBron
The arrival of Luka Doncic last season changed the team’s core dynamics. With Doncic and LeBron now at the helm, the Lakers are seeking role players who can stretch the floor, handle the ball, and defend. Davis offers a skill set that fits seamlessly into this strategy:
• Perimeter Shooting: Davis thrives as a catch-and-shoot option, perfect for spacing the floor around Doncic and James.
• Secondary Playmaker: His experience as a lead guard in college means he can relieve ball-handling pressure when needed.
• Defensive Hustle: While not physically imposing, Davis is quick and competitive on defense, capable of pestering opposing guards.
• Mature Approach: With 175 college games under his belt, Davis brings composure and decision-making that often eludes younger NBA players.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Rebuilding and Contending Plan
This offseason signals a clear dual-pronged approach from the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to established names like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, the franchise is investing in unheralded prospects like Davis who may blossom in the right system. As LeBron nears the twilight of his career, the focus has shifted to building a roster that can win now while grooming future contributors around Doncic.
General manager Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick appear committed to fostering internal growth, creating opportunities for players like Davis to earn their spot in a competitive environment.
RJ Davis may be an under-the-radar signing, but his accolades, shooting stroke, and seasoned mindset give him a real shot at cracking the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation. If he proves himself during training camp and in the G League, he could become a reliable spark plug off the bench—someone who adds shooting, smarts, and energy in crucial minutes.
Davis’s college legacy—complete with big-time shots in March and ACC dominance—suggests he’s no stranger to pressure. With the bright lights of Los Angeles ahead of him, he’ll look to carve out his place alongside two of the game’s biggest stars.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers Bring in Four Undrafted Rookies on Exhibit 10 Deals Ahead of 2025-26 Season
The 2025-26 season could be the beginning of a compelling new chapter for both Davis and a Lakers team full of ambition and change.
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