Lakers re-sign Chris Manon to keep last two-way slot filled for 2026-27

The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed Chris Manon to a two-way contract, ensuring he remains part of their developmental roster for the 2026-27 season. The move comes after Manon’s summer appearance with the Lakers during the California Classic, where he logged production in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.

The re-signing also completes the Lakers’ two-way capacity, according to reporting that the team had already reached agreements on additional two-way roles with Peter Suder and AK Okereke. With those spots allocated, the Manon deal closes out the Lakers’ current two-way roster bookkeeping heading into the next NBA offseason cycle.

Manon’s place on the two-way ladder has been tied to his defense. In 2025-26, he played with the Lakers on a two-way agreement and also saw extended minutes with South Bay, a G League affiliate that is described in local coverage as having achieved a league-best record. The same reporting credits Manon with a standout defensive profile in the G League, including All-Defensive Team recognition and strong voting for league Defensive Player of the Year.

Quantitatively, Manon’s G League production in 2025-26 was substantial for a player valued for defense. He averaged 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals across 33 regular-season games, with 26 of those starts. He also appeared in nine games for the Lakers during the regular season, giving the team a clear read on how his game translates when he is called up.

At the summer level, the Lakers’ timing matters because two-way roster decisions shape who can earn more NBA reps across training camp, preseason, and early regular-season call-ups. For a team building depth around versatility, keeping a defensive specialist like Manon under contract preserves a reliable option who has already shown an ability to impact both ends of the floor in the G League and contribute when he reaches the NBA level.

There are additional organizational notes flowing through the two-way roster decisions. Coverage of the Lakers’ summer signings indicates Manon’s two-way re-up fits alongside earlier agreements with Suder and Okereke, and it also references structural changes for the club’s G League affiliate, including a relocation/renaming noted for the affiliate that plays its season in Southern California.

What to watch next is whether the Lakers use Manon’s renewed two-way status to establish a clearer rotation role during preseason and whether his defense continues to stand out enough to create more NBA minutes. The team’s completed two-way group suggests they are aiming for continuity as they evaluate how their defensive identity carries from the G League floor to the NBA pace. As always, any further development will depend on camp performance and day-to-day roster availability, not just summer scoring lines.