BREAKING: Lakers Sign Anton Watson and Nate Williams, Release Tevian Jones & Eric Dixon

Los Angeles, CA – September 29, 2025 – The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Monday that they have signed forward Anton Watson and guard Nate Williams, while releasing Tevian Jones and Eric Dixon, in a calculated move to strengthen roster depth ahead of training camp and the 2025–26 NBA season.

General Manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the team’s strategy in a statement following the announcement. “We want to bring more depth and experience to the roster, particularly as we prepare for the grind of the season,” Pelinka said. “Both Anton and Nate bring versatility, toughness, and hunger that align with our team’s values.”

Profiles of the Newcomers

Anton Watson, 24, enters the Lakers’ system with both NBA and G League experience. He appeared in nine games for the New York Knicks during the 2024–25 season, while also playing a pivotal role for the Maine Celtics in the G League, where he averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in nearly 30 minutes per game. Drafted 54th overall in 2024 by the Boston Celtics, Watson built his reputation at Gonzaga University, where he earned All-WCC First Team honors in his senior season after averaging 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds. His size at 6-foot-8 and two-way skill set make him an intriguing option for a Lakers roster seeking length and defensive flexibility.

Nate Williams, 26, brings three seasons of NBA experience with the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers, appearing in 20 games for Houston during the 2024–25 campaign. Known for his scoring bursts and athleticism, Williams has averaged 3.9 points across 47 career games. He has also been a standout performer in the G League with Rio Grande Valley and Salt Lake City, averaging 14.7 points and 4.0 rebounds across 82 appearances. Williams earned All-MAC First Team honors at the University at Buffalo, where he developed into a dynamic guard capable of playing both on and off the ball.

Roster Strategy and Exhibit 10 Deals

Both Watson and Williams are expected to sign Exhibit 10 contracts, which are non-guaranteed one-year deals often used to bring players into training camp. The structure allows the Lakers to convert their contracts to two-way deals or assign them to the South Bay Lakers in the G League, ensuring developmental opportunities even if they do not make the final roster.

The decision to release Tevian Jones and Eric Dixon reflects the fluid nature of roster construction during the preseason. Jones, a 6-foot-7 guard, and Dixon, a 6-foot-8 forward, faced stiff competition for limited roster spots and may now seek opportunities elsewhere.

Looking Ahead

For the Lakers, these moves are part of a broader strategy to balance a star-driven core with hungry young players eager to prove themselves. With training camp set to begin, Watson and Williams will compete for minutes alongside established veterans while also positioning themselves as potential contributors if injuries or lineup changes occur.

The Lakers currently hold an open two-way slot, which raises speculation about whether one of the new additions could secure that coveted role. Watson’s defensive versatility and Williams’ scoring punch make them legitimate contenders for extended opportunities.

Analysts note that while Exhibit 10 signings often fly under the radar, they can sometimes produce meaningful contributors. “The Lakers are looking for value on the margins,” one NBA insider observed. “Players like Watson and Williams fit the mold of guys who might surprise you in camp and carve out roles during the season.”

As the Lakers prepare for preseason action, the spotlight will be on how these new signings adapt to the team’s system and whether they can seize the opportunity to earn a place in the rotation. For Watson and Williams, Los Angeles represents more than just a stop in their careers—it’s a chance to prove they belong on one of basketball’s biggest stages.