In a shocking move just before the 2025-26 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have made a bold roster shakeup, waiving four training camp signings in a single night. According to Jovan Buha of Buha’s Block, the Lakers have parted ways with rookie combo guard RJ Davis, second-year forward Anton Watson, rookie point guard Augustas Marciulionis, and veteran swingman Jeenathan “Nate” Williams. This unexpected decision has sent ripples through the NBA community, signaling the Lakers’ intent to streamline their roster and focus on their core lineup amidst concerns about LeBron James’ ongoing sciatica injury.
Who Are the Four Players Cut by the Lakers?
All four players were signed to Exhibit 10 contracts, a common mechanism for teams to evaluate talent during training camp with an eye toward developing players for their G League affiliate. While their release from the main roster is a setback, these players are likely to join the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League team based in El Segundo. If they remain with South Bay, they could be eligible for extension deals worth up to $85,300. Let’s take a closer look at the players involved and what this move means for their futures.
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RJ Davis: The ACC Star Who Shone in Preseason
RJ Davis, a 6-foot rookie combo guard, was a standout at North Carolina, earning the prestigious ACC Player of the Year title in the 2023-24 season. During his fifth and final collegiate season in 2024-25, Davis averaged an impressive 17.2 points and 3.6 assists per game. In the Lakers’ preseason, he showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 8.6 points on highly efficient .500/.500/.929 shooting splits, along with 1.4 rebounds in just 16.1 minutes per game across five exhibition contests. Despite his strong showing, Davis, who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, was unable to secure a spot on the Lakers’ main roster or a two-way contract. His next step will likely involve proving himself in the G League, where his scoring ability and playmaking could earn him another NBA look.
Augustas Marciulionis: A Decorated College Guard Left on the Sidelines
Augustas Marciulionis, a 6-foot-4 rookie point guard from Saint Mary’s, is another high-profile college player who didn’t make the Lakers’ final cut. A two-time WCC Player of the Year, Marciulionis averaged 14.2 points, 5.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in his final collegiate season, shooting .446/.347/.793. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old did not see any preseason action with Los Angeles, which likely contributed to his release. Like Davis, Marciulionis went undrafted in 2025 and has yet to secure an NBA roster spot. His playmaking and defensive instincts make him a prime candidate to shine in the G League, where he could develop into a valuable asset.
Jeenathan “Nate” Williams: A Veteran Swingman Looking for Stability
Jeenathan “Nate” Williams, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, brings more professional experience to the table. After going undrafted out of the University of Buffalo, Williams began his NBA career on a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets. During the Lakers’ preseason, he appeared in five games, averaging 4.2 points on .381/.250/1.000 shooting splits, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game. While his numbers were modest, Williams’ athleticism and versatility as a swingman make him a potential G League standout. His experience in the NBA gives him an edge as he looks to rebuild his case for a roster spot with the South Bay Lakers.
Anton Watson: A Two-Way Talent Cut Loose
Selected with the No. 54 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga, Anton Watson is a 6-foot-8 forward with a versatile skill set. Watson began his professional career as a two-way player for the Boston Celtics, who released him late in the 2024-25 season. He was briefly picked up by the New York Knicks before landing with the Lakers for training camp. In four preseason games with LA, Watson averaged 1.2 points on .333/.333/1.000 shooting, 1.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.5 steals in just 8.7 minutes per game. His defensive versatility and playmaking ability could make him a valuable contributor in the G League, where he’ll aim to prove he deserves another NBA opportunity.
Why Did the Lakers Make This Move?
The decision to cut these four players comes as the Lakers prepare for a critical 2025-26 season, with the team facing challenges both on and off the court. Recent reports indicate that LeBron James is dealing with a sciatica injury, raising concerns about his availability and the team’s depth. Head coach JJ Redick’s ominous updates on James’ condition, coupled with the superstar’s potential to make unfortunate personal history with this setback, suggest the Lakers are prioritizing roster flexibility and reliability.
By releasing Davis, Marciulionis, Watson, and Williams, the Lakers are likely clearing space to focus on their core rotation while giving these young players a chance to develop in the G League. The Exhibit 10 contracts indicate that the organization still sees potential in these players, as they’re positioned to join the South Bay Lakers and continue their development. This move allows the Lakers to maintain control over their G League pipeline while keeping their NBA roster lean and focused.
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What’s Next for the South Bay Lakers?
For Davis, Marciulionis, Watson, and Williams, the G League offers a critical opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a call-up to the NBA. The South Bay Lakers provide a platform for these players to refine their games in a competitive environment, with the added incentive of extension deals worth up to $85,300. Davis and Williams, who saw the most preseason action, may have the best chance to make an immediate impact, while Marciulionis and Watson will need to prove themselves after limited or no playing time in the preseason.
The G League has been a proven pathway for players to earn NBA contracts, and these four players have the talent and pedigree to make noise in El Segundo. Whether it’s Davis’ scoring, Marciulionis’ playmaking, Williams’ athleticism, or Watson’s versatility, each player has a unique skill set that could catch the eye of NBA scouts.
A Bold Move for a Franchise Under Pressure
The Lakers’ decision to cut these four players overnight is a brutal but calculated power play as they gear up for a high-stakes season. With LeBron James’ health in question and the team aiming to compete in a loaded Western Conference, the Lakers are making it clear that they’re prioritizing immediate impact over long-term development on their main roster. However, by funneling these players to the G League, they’re keeping the door open for future contributions from this talented quartet.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see how this roster shakeup impacts their performance. For RJ Davis, Augustas Marciulionis, Jeenathan Williams, and Anton Watson, the journey continues in the G League, where they’ll have a chance to prove they belong in the NBA. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!