The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have signed guards Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross to Exhibit 10 contracts. Additionally, the team has waived forward Anton Watson, who was just signed to an Exhibit 10 contract earlier this week.
This will allow the Lakers to shuffle players from their training camp roster, which can carry up to 21 players, to their G League affiliate. Unless Watson, Johnson and Ross get a better opportunity elsewhere, they will be suiting up for the Coachella Valley Lakers in the 2026-27 season.
Johnson (6’2”, 192) in an undrafted rookie who started all 32 games at the University of South Carolina during the 2025-26 season, averaging 17.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 31.4 minutes. He put up 4.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in five Summer League games for the Miami Heat.
Ross (6’5”, 210) is another undrafted rookie who started all 32 games at Marquette University last season, averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals in 33.0 minutes. He joined the Lakers’ Summer League team and averaged 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in sparing minutes across four games.
Alex Cerda named Coachella Valley Lakers head coach
If players like Watson, Johnson and Ross join the Lakers’ G League affiliate then they will be coach by Alex Cerda, who recently was promoted to the head coaching position. Cerda spent the last three seasons as an assistant to Zach Guthrie, who is joining JJ Redick’s staff at the NBA level.
“I am incredibly grateful and honored for the opportunity to lead the Coachella Valley Lakers,” Cerda said. “This organization has played an important role in my professional journey, and I have tremendous respect for the people, players and coaches who have helped me grow along the way. I’m excited to build on the foundation that has been established here and create a team that our players and fans can be proud of. My focus will be on developing a competitive, connected and resilient group that plays with purpose every night, while continuing to develop our players and prepare them for the next level.”
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