Much like the Phoenix Suns did with point guard David Stockton, the Los Angeles Lakers brought forward Anton Watson on board with a training camp contract on Thursday, September 17. However, they waived the former Gonzaga Bulldog the very next day, September 18. It’s expected that Watson will soon be playing for the G League’s Coachella Valley Lakers.
Throughout seven games, including the California Classic in San Francisco and the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Watson averaged 7.6 points per game, shooting 34.0% from the field, 19.2% from three-point range, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. He also contributed 2.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists over 20.7 minutes on the court each game.
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Watson was selected as the 54th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. In March 2025, the New York Knicks claimed him off waivers on a two-way contract. During nine games with New York, he posted averages of 0.9 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per contest.
Following the 2025 season, the Lakers signed Watson in September 2025.
Arden Cravalho, a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area, covers this story. Follow him on X @a_cravalho.
Fan Take:
Anton Watson’s journey highlights how basketball’s development leagues remain crucial for emerging players to find their footing in the NBA. For fans, tracking these transitions offers a glimpse into which players might break through and reshape team rosters in the near future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
