Following the 2025 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers, like every other franchise, identified viable two-way contract candidates.
The Lakers had plenty of options at their disposal after landing Arkansas star forward Adou Thiero in the second round of the event.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, college basketball No. 1 scorer Eric Dixon agreed to a deal with Los Angeles almost instantly.
However, a foot injury sidelined Dixon for the entire Summer League, denying him an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the franchise.
Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane recently pointed out that due to the 24-year-old’s devastating lower-body setback, there’s a chance he may join Luka Doncic and LeBron James next season.
“He did not officially sign with the Lakers on a two-way,” Lane said on his podcast Friday. “My understanding, and coming from sources close to the team, is that he was unlikely to get that two-way contract due to the injury.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“I don’t know exactly what the injury is. I know he rolled past me in Summer League on a scooter with his foot in a boot. So, that’s obviously not a good sign.”
“Maybe he sticks around, he gets a spot in the G League with South Bay or something, and then maybe he gets a two-way spot after all. The Lakers do have an open two-way spot right now.”
Dixon was a superstar with Villanova during the 2024-25 college basketball campaign.
The Wildcats grossly underachieved under Kyle Neptune, but Dixon was among the minimal bright spots for the program.
Dixon, a versatile and physical 6-foot-8 forward who’s challenging to contain, made life stressful for opponents all year.
The undrafted rookie averaged 23.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 45.1% from the field and 40.7% from three in 35 contests.
While it’s unclear if Dixon will begin his career with the Lakers, his intriguing skill set will likely enable him to land an NBA gig sooner rather than later.
More NBA: Former Warriors forward, G-League champion joins Victor Wembanyama on Spurs
