The Lakers kept busy after the 2026 NBA Draft. Once they picked Cameron Carr at No. 25, they quickly turned to signing undrafted free agents, locking in two-way contracts and Exhibit 10 deals.
The Lakers always treat the post-draft period like an extension of the draft, looking for overlooked players who might develop into NBA contributors. Not every signing will make it past training camp, but each brings a unique skill set that could earn them a shot in Summer League and beyond.
AK Okereke
Okereke was the first signing the Lakers made after the draft. They signed him to a two-way contract after bringing him in for a pre-draft workout. Los Angeles clearly viewed the athletic forward as someone worth investing in long before the draft ended, and they moved quickly once he became available as an undrafted free agent.
At 6-foot-8 with great length and defensive skills, Okereke fits today’s NBA forward profile. He rebounds, runs the floor, finishes through contact, and can guard several positions. His outside shooting still needs work, but the Lakers like to take chances on athletic wings with defensive potential, so he’s a player to watch this summer.
Peter Suder
Peter Suder enters with arguably the clearest path toward contributing at the NBA level. The former Miami guard signed a two-way contract after a stellar senior season in which he averaged 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, establishing himself as one of the most productive guards outside the power conferences.
Suder’s offensive versatility is what makes him particularly intriguing. He is capable of handling the ball, creating offense for teammates, and scoring from all three levels while playing with excellent pace and decision-making. Because he already occupies one of the Lakers’ three two-way contracts, he will receive consistent developmental opportunities and could quickly emerge as a candidate for NBA call-ups if he impresses during Summer League.
William Kyle III
William Kyle III gives the Lakers another young center with NBA-caliber athletic tools. After spending time at South Dakota State and UCLA, Kyle finished his collegiate career at Syracuse, averaging 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks while shooting 66.1% from the field during his senior season.
Kyle’s game revolves around his explosiveness around the basket. He protects the rim, finishes lobs above the rim, and runs the floor exceptionally well for a big man. Although he is somewhat undersized for the center position, his mobility and shot-blocking ability give him a realistic opportunity to carve out a developmental role within the organization after the Lakers previously hosted him for a pre-draft workout.
Robbie Avila
While Kyle offers athleticism, Robbie Avila provides an entirely different style of play. The Saint Louis standout earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors after averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the three-point line.
Avila’s value comes from his offensive versatility rather than his physical tools. He stretches the floor, makes advanced reads as a passer, and can serve as an offensive hub from the high post, skills that are uncommon for players his size. His lack of elite athleticism will likely determine whether he can stick at the NBA level, but his unique offensive game should make him one of the most entertaining players on the Lakers’ Summer League roster.
Chase Ross
The Lakers rounded out this group by signing Marquette guard Chase Ross to an Exhibit 10 contract. Ross enjoyed the best season of his collegiate career by averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals while leading the Big East in steals and earning conference All-Defensive Team honors.
Ross has already established the identity that every young player needs entering professional basketball. He competes defensively, creates turnovers, and consistently impacts games with his effort and versatility on the perimeter. Improving his outside shooting after converting just 29.5% of his three-point attempts last season will be the biggest factor in determining how quickly he can climb the Lakers’ developmental ladder.
Summer League Will Decide
The Lakers’ Summer League roster is beginning to take shape with Carr, Suder, Okereke, Kyle, Avila, and Ross expected to play significant roles. Additional undrafted free agents could still join the roster before Summer League tips off, but the organization has already assembled one of its more intriguing developmental groups in recent years.
Each player has a different path to making a future with the Lakers. Whether it’s Suder’s offense, Okereke’s defense, Kyle’s rim protection, Avila’s playmaking, or Ross’ perimeter defense, the Lakers have several chances to find another hidden gem among undrafted free agents.
