After the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers immediately began scouring the undrafted free agent market looking for gems.
The Lakers were able to land both AK Okereke and Peter Suder on two-way contract. Now, they have added another prospect in William Kyle III out of Syracuse on an Exhibit 10 contract, which allows them to have him on the roster for Summer League and training camp before likely transitioning to their G League team if he doesn’t earn a better opportunity elsewhere, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
Former Syracuse center William Kyle III is signing with the Lakers on an Exhibit 10 deal, sources told ESPN. The 6-9, 230-pound big man averaged 8.4 points on 66.1% with 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in his senior season with the Orange
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 25, 2026
Kyle then took to social media himself to react to his new deal with the Lakers:
AGTG🙏🏿 https://t.co/fkugmwmFGH
— William Kyle lll (@WilliamKyleIII) June 25, 2026
Blessed🙏🏿 https://t.co/s2ta8bLfbH
— William Kyle lll (@WilliamKyleIII) June 25, 2026
Kyle is a player the Lakers worked out in the pre-draft process and had reported interest in, so them landing the undrafted free agent doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
This is a homecoming of sorts for Kyle as he played at South Dakota State for two college seasons before playing one year at UCLA. He then finished up his collegiate career at Syracuse, where he had an impressive senior season averaging 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. That type of rim protection could get him some looks in the NBA despite not getting drafted.
The Lakers also added another big man on an Exhibit 10 deal with Robbie Avila out of Saint Louis, as well as guard Chase Ross out of Marquette, per Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress.com:
NEWS: Saint Louis’ Robbie Avila has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell DraftExpress.
The A10 Player of the Year is one of the nation’s most skilled bigs.
Shot 40% from three and averaged 4+ assists per game as a frontcourt playmaking hub. pic.twitter.com/q6yYnRtAXW
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 25, 2026
NEWS: Marquette’s Chase Ross has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell DraftExpress.
14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game this season.
Hangs his hat on disruptive defense, leading the Big East in steals. pic.twitter.com/2MbqRVrObz
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 25, 2026
Avila played two years at Indiana State before finishing up at Saint Louis the last two years. While he lacks athleticism, he makes up for it with his offensive ability. In 35 games last season, Avila averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field and 41% from 3-point range on 4.6 attempts per game.
Considering Kyle and Avila have different skillsets, they should complement each other well during Summer League and give the Lakers squad a nice tandem at the center position.
Meanwhile, Ross will give them some defense on the perimeter, although his outside shot was inconsistent during his four years at Marquette.
Lakers Summer League roster taking shape
The Lakers’ Summer League roster is starting to take shape as it is expected to have Kyle, Avila, Ross, Okereke and Suder. It should also have the team’s first-round draft pick Cameron Carr and potentially second-year wing Adou Thiero as well.
L.A. will likely sign more undrafted free agents as well as current NBA and G League players to fill out the roster.
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