The 9 Games Chris Manon Played, and Why the Lakers Made Him a Restricted Free Agent
Whoa, hold up! While all the chatter around the NBA free agency period is swirling with big names and monster deals, the Lakers just dropped a quiet bomb that's got us taking notice. We’re talking about Chris Manon, the undrafted Vanderbilt guard, who just got a two-way qualifying offer from Los Angeles, making him a restricted free agent. Seriously, after only making it into nine games last season, this is a legit head-turner!
From Undrafted to RFA: Manon's Grind is Real
Let's be real, it's not every day an undrafted guy gets this kind of leverage. Manon, who signed a two-way contract with the Lakers right before the 2025-26 season kicked off, spent most of his time grinding it out with their G League South Bay squad. He only laced up for the big club nine times, which makes this move even more interesting. It tells you the Lakers see *something* in this kid, enough to keep him in their system while they figure out the bigger pieces of their championship puzzle.
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Lakers Offseason Shenanigans and Where Manon Fits In
The Lakers' front office is not messing around this offseason, that much is clear. They just locked down Austin Reaves with a massive four-year, $185 million contract. You gotta respect that commitment! Plus, they added some fresh talent in the draft, picking up 3-and-D wing Cameron Carr at No. 24 after trading up with the New York Knicks. They even brought in Robert McCray V and Jacari White on Exhibit 10 contracts. It's a busy time, to say the least.
But amidst all these moves, the Manon qualifying offer stands out. It gives the Lakers control, allowing them to match any offer he gets from another team. They've got a lot of "unanswered questions" heading into free agency, and they've been linked to a ton of players already. We're talking rumors about Rui Hachimura getting interest from the Nets and Spurs, discussions with the Heat for Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware, and whispers about Dean Wade and Jock Landale. Even trade interest in the Nuggets’ Cameron Johnson is floating around! Keeping Manon in the fold is a smart, low-cost move to retain a potential contributor while they chase those bigger fish like filling out a roster that lost Marcus Smart, who was a "major catalyst" for them.
So, what's next for Chris Manon? He's got a real opportunity here. For the Lakers, it means another young player with potential is locked in as they navigate a crucial offseason. With all the talent they're trying to add, keeping a guy like Manon, who's already shown he can hang in some capacity, is just smart business. This offseason is just heating up, and we'll be watching every single move!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.