The Los Angeles Lakers have retained one of their top developmental defenders, re-signing guard Chris Mañon to a two-way contract, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto. The move keeps the 24-year-old in the organization after he split the 2025-26 season between the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers.
Although Mañon’s NBA role was limited, he emerged as one of the G League’s premier perimeter defenders. He was named to the 2025-26 NBA G League All-Defensive Team and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting after a standout campaign with South Bay.
Mañon appeared in nine NBA games for Los Angeles last season, averaging 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks in 5.1 minutes per game. His offensive opportunities were limited, as he attempted just 0.7 field goals per contest.
With South Bay, Mañon was one of the league’s most productive two-way guards. In 13 games, he averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 1.5 blocks while shooting 51.2% from the field.
The Lakers’ decision reflects an organizational emphasis on maintaining defensive depth while continuing to develop young talent. Two-way contracts allow players to split time between the NBA club and its G League affiliate, giving prospects opportunities to earn NBA minutes without occupying one of the standard roster spots.
Mañon returns to a significantly reshaped Lakers roster entering the 2026-27 season. After finishing 53-29 last year, winning the Pacific Division and reaching the Western Conference semifinals before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles has aggressively retooled around Luka Doncic.
The franchise moved on from LeBron James during the offseason and acquired Walker Kessler to strengthen its interior defense. The Lakers also traded Deandre Ayton, re-signed Austin Reaves to a long-term contract, and added Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili in free agency. They further bolstered their youth by selecting Cameron Carr with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
